Only authentic Kente woven in Ghana can now be marketed internationally. That's because the UN granted the iconic fabric special protection recently. Now, one entrepreneur is offering support to the people at the center of the centuries-old tradition – the weavers.
00:00Enyonam Ahiyaduga is not just a kente weaver.
00:05Gana's iconic cloth is a fabric of her life.
00:09The 34-year-old widow and mother started out in a craft when she left school 12 years ago.
00:16I rely entirely on weaving to support myself and my children.
00:21I don't depend on anyone for financial help.
00:24With three kids to care for, this is all I have.
00:27Kente weaving is a way of life here in Agoteme Apokope in the Volta region.
00:34The traditional craft is not without some challenges today though.
00:39Weavers like Ahiyaduga can produce only small quantities on their manual looms.
00:45It's time consuming and the income is limited.
00:49One Ghanaian entrepreneur who is known the world over for his kente creations has stepped in to support them.
00:57Benjamin Owusu wants to modernize kente production, create jobs and boost revenue.
01:04We have our own machines within the weaving village which employs most of the youth here.
01:11Our machines add value, add a bit of logos, you know, to ensure that they have a wider reach with institutions that, you know, their products can travel to.
01:24With an eye on the future, Owusu is offering the weavers training tool.
01:29Our digitization drive, which involves digitizing the kente pattern.
01:36I think it's one way that we are helping preserve the pattern.
01:40Also, ensuring that there's an alternative livelihood and then training module for the weavers is another way that we can ensure that at least they are self-sufficient
01:51so that they don't abandon their looms and then travel out of these rural areas.
01:56Kente is always in high demand in Ghana and beyond.
02:01It's distinct patterns and motives, gracing weddings, celebrations and cultural events.
02:08With innovation and tradition working hand in hand, weavers like Enyonam are hoping to keep their centuries-old craft for generations to come.
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