Agotime launches Kente Festival with dazzling display of culture

A grand cultural awakening in Aflao

Drums echoed with thunderous intensity through the streets of Aflao on Saturday, June 21, as the Agotime Traditional Council launched the 2025 edition of the Kente Festival. The rhythmic beat signaled not only the start of a cherished cultural season but also a powerful reminder of Ghana’s rich textile and artistic heritage.

Amid the beating drums, the chiefs and queen mothers of Agotime arrived regally adorned in resplendent Kente cloths, each one a tapestry of history, identity, and pride. Their presence set the tone for a celebration steeped in dignity and cultural reverence.

A living history in threads

One of the highlights of the launch was the unveiling of rare Kente fabrics woven as far back as the 18th and 19th centuries. These ancient cloths served as visual chronicles of Agotime’s long-standing legacy in the textile arts and underlined the area’s deep-rooted connection to the iconic fabric.

The event’s importance was elevated further by the presence of key traditional figures, including Torgbui Adzongaga Amenya Fiti V, Torgbui Hezekiah I, and other influential chiefs and queen mothers from the Aflao Traditional Area. In a symbolic and touching gesture, Torgbui Amenya Fiti V was honoured with a stunning new Kente design named after him, recognizing his continued leadership and contribution to the cultural preservation of the region.

A vibrant showcase of tradition

Cultural displays turned the grounds into a living museum. The Asafo groups captivated the audience with their traditional war dances, while the Borborbor dance troupes from Agotime added a rhythmic swirl of joy and motion. The Aflo Jama group stole the show with a charged and energetic performance that had the crowd on their feet, cheering and dancing along.

These performances weren’t merely entertainment; they were spirited reminders of the community’s cultural wealth and its intergenerational importance.

Presence of dignitaries

The event drew the participation of several high-profile guests and government officials, reflecting the national significance of the occasion. Notable attendees included the Volta Regional Minister Hon. James Gunu, MP for Agotime Ziope Constituency Hon. Charles Agbeve, Municipal Chief Executive for Aflao Hon. Worclatsi, MCE for Keta Hon. Wisdom Seade, and District Coordinating Director for Agotime Ziope District Mr. Reuben Akuffo. Their presence affirmed the government’s recognition of Kente as a national treasure.

The Kente Legacy: A cloth of contention and pride

Kente is regarded as Ghana’s most revered traditional fabric. It is widely worn during festivals, weddings, and state ceremonies. Yet, its origins have long sparked debate. While the people of Agotime in the Volta Region assert that the term “Kente” derives from their Ewe word “kete”—meaning “open and press”—the town of Bonwire in the Ashanti Region also lays claim to its invention.

Though this debate remains unresolved, the people of Agotime have been celebrating the Kente Festival since 1995, determined to share their narrative and preserve their craft.

Looking ahead: Kente Festival 2025

Following the grand launch, the full festival is set to run from August 10 to August 17. A week-long lineup of events promises to immerse attendees in tradition and celebration. Activities will include the firing of musketry, traditional dance competitions, Kente exhibitions, a football gala, a beauty pageant, and more.

With preparations underway, the chiefs and queen mothers of Agotime are extending a heartfelt invitation to all Ghanaians, both at home and abroad, to come witness the vibrancy and legacy of the Kente Festival 2025.

A call to unity and cultural pride

As the drums faded into the evening air and the Kente cloths shimmered under the twilight, one message rang clear: the Kente Festival is more than just a celebration of fabric—it is a celebration of identity, resilience, and the beauty of Ghanaian heritage.

In the heart of Agotime, culture lives and breathes—woven not just in cloth, but in the spirit of its people.

Source: African Editors