A conceptual presentation on BataKente, a proposed national framework aimed at unifying and promoting Ghana’s indigenous woven textiles, has been made to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.
The presentation was delivered during a courtesy visit to the Ministry by a three-member delegation comprising Afi Amoro, Chief Executive Officer of Jandel Limited; Norkor Duah, a communication specialist; and Lawrence Kwatey, an account manager.
The delegation outlined the BataKente concept as a nationally coordinated initiative intended to consolidate Ghana’s traditional woven textiles, including Kente (Kete), Fugu and related fabrics, under a unified cultural and economic identity with strong global market potential.
According to the presenters, the concept envisions positioning Ghanaian textiles as authentic, premium and sustainable products capable of generating employment, improving artisan livelihoods, particularly for women and youth and strengthening cultural diplomacy.
The presentation highlighted key thematic areas such as value-chain development, design innovation, standardisation, branding, certification, storytelling and the protection of local creativity from imitation. The proponents explained that these measures would help preserve cultural integrity while enhancing competitiveness and visibility for Ghana’s textile heritage.
Responding to the presentation, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie described the concept as innovative and promising, noting its alignment with national priorities including youth employment, SME development, tourism growth and the government’s 24-hour economy agenda. She, however, emphasised that the Ministry could only engage substantively once a formal, written proposal is submitted for assessment within the appropriate institutional framework.
The Minister further underscored the importance of due process, documentation and inter-agency collaboration, advising the delegation to formally present their ideas to enable consultations with relevant bodies, including the National Commission on Culture and other key stakeholders. This, she noted, would allow the Ministry to determine how the BataKente concept could potentially align with existing national programmes, including activities marking Ghana Culture Day.
She also reiterated the need for unity in promoting Ghana’s indigenous textiles, stressing that fabrics such as Fugu, Kente (Kete) collectively represent national identity and should be advanced in an inclusive manner that reflects Ghana’s cultural diversity.
The delegation welcomed the guidance from the Minister and indicated their intention to prepare and submit an official proposal for the Ministry’s consideration.
The meeting was attended by directors from the Ministry including the Chief Director, Mr. Joseph Kwasi Amoah, Dr. Jeoffrey Tamakloe, Director Tourism and Divine Owusu Ansah, director of culture and creative Arts.
