Kwame Sarfo, a Ghanaian model based in the United States, has recently inaugurated a Kente exhibition center in the US, with a dual mission of preserving Ghanaian culture and providing employment opportunities for local artisans.
In a recent appearance on the nationally broadcast show ABC 7 Here & Now, Sarfo articulated the driving force behind the establishment of the Kente center.
He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the authenticity of Kente, particularly considering the proliferation of printed and substandard versions flooding African American markets across the US.
Through the Kente Exhibition Center, Sarfo aspires to not only showcase the richness and intricacies of Ghanaian culture but also to educate consumers about the significance and craftsmanship behind authentic Kente fabrics.
By doing so, he hopes to foster a greater appreciation for the cultural heritage of Ghana while simultaneously creating sustainable employment opportunities for local artisans.
The establishment of the Kente Exhibition Center stands as a testament to Sarfo’s commitment to cultural preservation and economic empowerment within the Ghanaian and broader African diaspora communities in the United States.
It represents a significant step towards promoting cultural exchange and celebrating the vibrant traditions of Ghana on an international stage.
He explained his proactive approach: “Everywhere I look, I see African print cloths all over, but you know what? They are not really selling the real authentic cloth called Kente from Ghana.
“So, I went back to Ghana, stayed there for six months, visited Bonwire, the town where Kente cloth originated in the 1600s, collaborated with them to source authentic Kente clothes, brought them here, and transformed them into various products. This way, we preserve our culture and protect what is truly ours.”
Sarfo emphasized that his center would serve as a cultural preservation initiative and create additional job opportunities for local artisans, contributing to their craft’s sustainability.
He elaborated, “With the influx of these fake prints, authentic weavers lose jobs and struggle to maximize profits from sales. However, by providing a platform for both fake and original products and introducing them to the same markets, the authentic Kente has a better chance to thrive, resulting in increased income for the producers.”
The Kente exhibition center founded by Kwame Sarfo is named Obrempong Homes.
SOURCE: myinfo.com.gh