Ghana@50: Adinkra and Kente Exhibition opens

Accra, Feb. 27, GNA - Mr. Alan Kyerematen, the Minister of Trade, Industry and PSI on Tuesday reiterated government commitment to transforming the craft export sector from its present cottage level into a business-oriented industry, capable of delivering new production opportunities competitively.

In this line, the Ministries of Trade, Tourism and Diasporan Relations and Chieftaincy and Culture are collaborating to support the development and growth of the craft industry.

The support were in the form of product development, marketing and infrastructural support with a view to build its capacity to meet the challenges of the global market.

Mr. Kyerematen was speaking at the opening of the Ghana@50 Adinkra and Kente Exhibition being organised in collaboration with Aid to Artisans Ghana (ATAG)at the ongoing 11th Ghana International Trade Fair. The six-week exhibition on the theme; " A March from the Cultural Past into the Cultural Future with ICT," will showcase products of historical and cultural significance, a catalogue of the evolution of kente and adinkra symbols as well as modern adinkra and kente clothes. Mr Kyerematen said the government was delivering assistance to 45 selected companies in the area of product development such as design, product adaptation and quality enhancement services trough international and local consultancies.

Efforts also include support to access international markets, support to companies to deliver target store orders.

Mr. Kyerematen said six craft villages were at various stages of construction in selected districts throughout the country to accommodate artisans and to provide common service facilities to enhance their operations.

The craft villages are Aburi, Kpando, Ahwiaa, Salaga and Bolga. The Minister said the government had also adopted a special initiative on Craft Development, which seeks to transform and enhance the craft sector's growth and develop it within the context of government's vision of wealth creation and poverty reduction.

He said the enhancement and transformation of the craft sector would result in employment creation and revenue generation as well as integrate rural communities into the mainstream of national economic activity. However, there was the need to infuse the traditional cultural heritage with efficient production and commercial processes with the support of ICT.

Mr S.K. Boafo, Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture said the exhibition brought to the fore the need for the preservation of our cultural heritage, especially those relating to local textiles. He said the country had paid lip service to the issue of preservation and it was time steps were taken to protect the nation's culture.

According to him real preservation had to do with the establishment of museums and heritage centres within communities where the evolution of textiles could be showcased and documented for generations to learn from.

Ms Pamela Bridgewater, the US Ambassador to Ghana, urged Ghanaians to be fond of their cultural heritage.

Mrs Nana Asantewa Boateng, Board Member of ATAG, said the exhibition would serve as a platform to create awareness and appreciation of Ghana's adinkra and kente symbols.

Mrs Diana Korto, Head of Medialab, an ICT for ATAG announced the development of Adinkra and Kente Font software that could be used to create any type or form of design anywhere in the world.