News
Let’s teach Kente weaving in schools …Tourism Minister advises
In a bid to preserve and promote Kente, the government has taken significant steps to collaborate with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to highlight its cultural trend.
In view of this, a dossier has been submitted to secure Kente’s recognition as an intangible cultural heritage by December, this year.
Additionally, it has emerged that the government was determined to integrate Kente weaving into Ghana’s educational framework to create employment opportunities for aspiring artisans, preserve its cultural heritage, and boost Ghana’s tourism potential.
The Minister for Tourism, Mr Andrews Egyapa-Mercer, who dropped the hint, stated that although the Kente cloth was admired all over the world, the stories and craftsmanship behind it were often overlooked, and that education could play a crucial role in addressing that gap.
“To create this awareness, we must integrate Kente weaving into our school curriculum”, he said, adding that “teaching students about the history, symbolism and artistry of Kente will foster a sense of pride and ownership of our cultural heritage”
He was speaking at the grand durbar of the Bonwire Kente festival 2024, held at Bonwire in the Ashanti Region last week.
Under the theme, ‘Sustaining the Kente Heritage Through Education,” the event attracted several dignitaries including public officials, celebrities, traditional leaders, natives of Bonwire and nearby communities, and some visitors from the diaspora.
It was quite a colourful event where the wearing of Kente was obvious.
According to the Minister, when young people understood and appreciated the heritage, they would be more likely to take pride in it and pass it on, and the empowerment could lead to several positive outcomes.
He then encouraged local artisans and weavers to share their knowledge and skills with the youth through workshops and demonstration, for them to appreciate the intricacies of Kente weaving.
On his part, the chief of Bonwire, Nana Bobie Ansah II, praised the government for the huge infrastructural investment in their communities which had impacted favourably on their economic activities.
Moreover, he said aside the building of a court complex, the setting up of a state of the art Kente Museum, and the revamping of the Bonwire Senior High School, it has also completed key access roads within the communities, ensuring easy market access and tourism.
“As you can see for yourselves, the entire major road network in Bonwire and neighbouring communities have all been asphalted”, he said.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Bonwire
News
‘Thousands of Ghanaian women suffering from Obstetric Fistula’
Thousands of Ghanaian women continue to suffer in silence from Obstetric Fistula (OF) due to inadequate access to surgical treatment, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has revealed.
Dr Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA’s Country Representative, disclosed that over the past decade, Ghana has accumulated a backlog of more than 12,000 untreated cases, despite recording an estimated 1,300 new cases each year.
He made the remarks during a visit to the New Times Corporation (NTC) in Accra to mark the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF).
“Only 1,000 repairs have been done in 10 years. That leaves thousands of women isolated, in pain, and excluded from society due to a condition that is both preventable and treatable,” Dr Ochan said.
He stressed the need for greater investment in surgical capacity, public awareness, and partnership, especially with the private sector— to accelerate Ghana’s efforts to eliminate the condition by 2030.
Obstetric Fistula results from prolonged or obstructed labour without timely medical care, causing a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, leading to continuous leakage of urine or faeces. The consequences include stigma, chronic incontinence, and often, the death of the baby.
To help close the treatment gap, the UNFPA is working with health institutions including the Komfo Anokye and Cape Coast Teaching hospitals to scale up surgeries and outreach.
“We must not allow women to suffer lifelong trauma for simply trying to give life,” Dr Ochan urged.
The Managing Director, Mr Martin Adu-Owusu, pledged NTC’s support in raising public awareness and promoting maternal health initiatives.
“We are ready to collaborate with you to ensure that maternal deaths and issues affecting women come down to the barest minimum so that together we can achieve the UN goal to eliminating Obstetric Fistula by 2030,” he said
By Esinam Jemima Esinam
News
Inflated prices of Abaya, Jalabiya on Eid-al-Adha celebration
Muslims in Ghana and all over the world yesterday observed the Eid-al-Adha celebration.
It falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated by Muslims to mark the end of the month-long dawn-to-dusk fasting of Ramadan.
The build up to yesterday’s edition was characterised by a high demand for traditional Islamic attire here in Tamale, leading to a sharp rise in prices.
Checks by The Spectator from the various markets in the Tamale area revealed that prices for popular outfits like the Abaya, Jalabiya, and Kaftan have skyrocketed within the period.
Although there is no prescribed outfit for the celebration, many Muslims in Tamale traditionally choose modest and loose-fitting garments that reflect Islamic values.
Abayas and Jalabiyas often imported from Turkey, Dubai, Egypt, and Northern Nigeria have become particularly the most sought-after attires, resulting in the price hikes.
Currently, prices for men’s attire range from GH₵250 to GH₵800 while women’s outfits are selling from GH₵350 to GH₵1000.
Children’s garments are also not left out of the pricing craze. Bargaining for the youngsters starts from GH₵150.
Hajia Naila Abdul Karim, owner of ‘Cover with Style,’ confirmed a significant surge in sales in the holy month.
“Each day, more than 20 people, mostly women walk into the shop. We also send over 40 parcels daily to customers across the country,” she stated.
She attributed the price increases to the cedi’s depreciation and a recent shortage of Turkish imports, noting that most of her stock now comes from Dubai.
Hamdia Kamil, a loyal customer, shared her experience: “Two years ago, I bought an Abaya for GH₵350. This year, it’s GH₵650. I had no choice because it’s a special occasion and I want to feel good. Still, I hope the dresses are made affordable so others can also celebrate in style.”
At Baby Last Closet in Sakasaka, another fashion outlet, prices for women’s outfits range from GH₵350 to GH₵1,300, while men’s attire goes from GH₵250 to GH₵1,000.
“Some customers complain about the cost, but because it’s Ramadan, many still go ahead and buy,” said the shop owner.
Similarly, Mandy’s Haven at Zogbeli sells exclusively for Eid celebrations, dealing in high-end Abayas, Jalabiyas, and Kaftan materials. Prices there reflect quality and origin, with female attire ranging from GH₵450 to GH₵5,000, and kaftan fabric sold at GH₵200 per yard.
For many, including resident Iddrisu Suale, the holy month remains a sacred period despite the economic pressures. “Things are expensive this year, but I still want to make the day special for my children. I plan to get them Abayas and Jalabiyas from Egypt,” he indicated.
Despite the bustling nature of preparation and the high cost of goods, resident expressed optimism of having a good time in observing the deep spiritual significance of the occasion.
Story & photos by Paul Dery
