Richmond American University London, in partnership with its alumna Amma Prempeh, will celebrate Ghana’s vibrant kente culture through a livestream event from the Bonwire Kente Weaving Centre on March 30, 2026.
Scheduled from 12:30 to 13:30 GMT, the event coincides with Ghana Month festivities and will feature traditional weaving demonstrations from the Bonwire Kente Weaving Centre in Kumasi, recognized as the birthplace of kente.
In a letter signed by the Vice-President and Dean of Students, Allison Cole-Stutz, the university expressed excitement about showcasing kente culture through live demonstrations originating from the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
“On behalf of Richmond American University London, we are thrilled to collaborate with Producer/Director/Journalist Amma Prempeh, a proud alumna, to enhance understanding of Kente culture on our London campus,” the letter stated.
During the livestream, viewers will see an excerpt from Amma Prempeh’s documentary titled “The Importance of Kente to Ghanaians and Black Africans”. Historian Teacher Kantanka, also known as Osei Bonsu Safo Kantanka, will provide insights into the history of kente, various weaving techniques, and the meanings behind specific patterns and colors.
Amma Prempeh will showcase the entire kente production process, from threading to loom work and the assembly of different sections to create the final fabric. The program will include interviews, aerial footage, and will conclude with traditional dancing and a tour of the Bonwire museum.
Organizers have indicated that Richmond University students will have the chance to ask questions during the live session. Another highlight will be a cultural performance by students from Bonwire Senior High Technical School.
Kente remains one of Ghana’s most emblematic cultural textiles, originating from the Ashanti Kingdom and deeply rooted in the nation’s heritage. Traditionally woven in strips and meticulously stitched together, kente embodies history, philosophy, ethics, and social values. Each design and color carries symbolic meaning, often associated with proverbs, leadership, royalty, and community identity. Over time, kente has crossed borders to become a global emblem of African pride and cultural expression.
In December 2024, UNESCO recognized the craftsmanship of kente by inscribing it onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The honor acknowledges the intricate handwoven fabric from the Asante and Ewe communities, emphasizing its significant cultural relevance and its role in Ghanaian identity.
On February 1, 2024, Ghana’s ‘Kente Culture Story Documentary Film’, created by award-winning BBC journalist Amma Prempeh, debuted at the renowned Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
The film explores the intricate artistry, cultural importance, and global influence of kente cloth. It gained further international attention on April 17, 2024, when director Amma Prempeh held three meetings in Washington, DC. She engaged with Ghana’s former Ambassador to the United States, Hajia Alima Mahama, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and Howard University students to screen the kente documentary.
The film has been solely funded by Amma and has debuted at leading academic institutions, including one of the world’s top universities and a historic Black university in the United States within three months of its release.
Amma Prempeh is a cultural advocate and filmmaker dedicated to elevating Ghanaian heritage, particularly kente. Through her efforts, she aims to preserve indigenous knowledge and promote African identity to audiences worldwide.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong