Kente Weavers Urged to Patent Their Designs
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri & Dominic Kojo Blay

Kente weavers have been advised to register their designs to avoid duplication by other players in the industry.
The authority in charge of culture has therefore been tasked to get a national copyright for the numerous kente designs.
Dr. Hannah Bissiw, Deputy Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, said this at the inaugural celebration of the 1st National Kente week in Accra themed: “Celebrating our Kente heritage; a majestic new boost for sustaining the Ghanaian economy and maintaining the tradition in the 21st century.”
She observed that kente is the pride and heritage of Ghanaians, noting, “We must protect the uniqueness of our kente.”
Dr. Bissiw also noted that some factories both home and abroad are imitating the kente designs.
“It is Ghana’s pride to keep the quality and design of our kente,” she said.
The Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, Alexander Asum-Ahensah noted that the kente cloth is a symbol of unity in the country.
“All Ghanaians recognize and cherish the kente cloth, even in the Diaspora the kente cloth has become an African fraternity.”
He stressed the need for the industry to be sustained for future generations.
“I therefore appeal to the very experienced weavers to make time for the youth to acquire the needed technical skills,” he added.
The sector minister asked the general public to be part of the week-long celebration.
Nana Abena Konadu, a representative of Royal Protocol Services, organizers of the event, said the celebration was aimed at boosting and sustaining the Ghanaian kente industry.
She explained that the event is also to project the kente heritage, which is gradually collapsing due to low patronage.
Activities lined up the celebration include kente weaving competition, kente ‘what do you know’ contest, kente fashion show and the kente dinner dance, which will be held at the State Banquet Hall on August 6, 2011.
Kenteman Nii Laryea Sowah, Media Co-ordinator of the event, said the fund-raising dinner dance will create a seed fund to assist players in the kente weaving business that are facing financial challenges.
He said invited guests that will grace the occasion include ministers of state with Professor Akilakpa Sawyer being the guest speaker.
“Tobge Afede XIV, the Abgobgomefia of the Ho traditional area will co-chair the occasion with a representative of the Asantehene,” he said.
Tickets for the event are selling at GH¢100.00 for a person and GH¢150.00 for double at Koala, Joy FM and shoprite- Accra Mall, and 37 Maxi Mart.