At the Festival , Kente and Cultural Heritage organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Miss Alma Tawia, Founder and Creative Director of Prestige Kente, shared a powerful story that blends passion, innovation, and purpose. Her journey began not in a boardroom, but as an inspired attendee at the first-ever Kente Festival in her hometown of Tafi, in the Volta Region of Ghana.

From a Festival to a Movement

The Kente Festival, organized by the youth of Tafi, aimed to celebrate their rich weaving culture and bring development to the town. Miss Alma attended the event simply to support — but she left with a vision. Seeing the beauty and potential of the craft, she decided to reintroduce Kente weaving to her wider network in a more innovative and marketable way. That spark would later grow into Prestige Kente, a brand now known for combining traditional artistry with contemporary design.

Challenging Traditions and Inspiring Creativity

Starting Prestige Kente wasn’t without challenges. Alma introduced fresh, innovative styles and color patterns that were unfamiliar to many local weavers. Understandably, some were hesitant. The designs required weavers to step outside their comfort zones, challenge their creative limits, and reimagine what Kente could be.

But Alma didn’t give up. She engaged directly with the weavers, helping them understand that high-quality, unique designs would attract more recognition and better income. By encouraging them to embrace change and strive for excellence, she began to shift mindsets. A few brave weavers accepted the challenge — and the transformation began.

Building a Hub for Growth in Accra

With Alma based in Accra and most of the weavers in Tafi, coordinating production was difficult. To streamline operations and maintain quality, she established a Kente weaving hub in Accra, allowing her to work closely with weavers and manage design standards. This hub became the foundation of Prestige Kente’s success and a new home for many talented artisans.

Today, Prestige Kente works with over 25 full-time weavers, offering more than just employment. These artisans now enjoy monthly salaries, social security, and other benefits — things they didn’t have when weaving informally in their villages. More importantly, they’re proud of the work they create.

Real-Life Impact: Weaving Dreams into Reality

Alma’s story is not just about business growth — it’s about human impact. Several weavers have used their earnings to further their education, some even reaching tertiary level. At the time of Alma’s speech at the UNDP program, a few of these weavers were serving their National Service with Prestige Kente, a full-circle moment that highlights the long-term value of investing in creative talent.

How Do We Empower Kente Weavers to Keep Producing High-Quality Kente?

Empowering Kente weavers goes far beyond providing them with yarn and a loom. It requires a thoughtful, sustained approach that values both their craftsmanship and their well-being. Alma Tawia’s journey with Prestige Kente provides a compelling roadmap for how this can be done.

1. Fair and Consistent Compensation

One of the biggest barriers to motivation for many traditional weavers is the uncertainty of income. Many weavers in rural communities are paid per piece and lack financial stability. Alma addressed this by putting weavers on salaries, ensuring they could rely on a steady income. This shift created a more stable and dignified livelihood, giving weavers the peace of mind to focus on quality, not just quantity.

2. Access to Social Security and Benefits

For many artisans in Ghana, healthcare, pensions, and other forms of social protection are out of reach. By enrolling weavers in social security and offering benefits, Prestige Kente acknowledged them not just as craftspeople but as professionals. This recognition boosts morale and sends a strong message: your work matters, and so do you.

3. Creative Empowerment and Training

Introducing innovative patterns and modern design ideas was initially met with resistance. Many weavers were used to traditional motifs and methods, and stepping outside that comfort zone was daunting. Alma tackled this by mentoring and encouraging weavers to explore their creativity. She helped them understand that innovation could attract higher-paying markets — and that the future of Kente depends on its ability to evolve while preserving its roots.

4. Establishing Infrastructure

Setting up a weaving hub in Accra was a game-changer. It allowed for better quality control, faster feedback loops, and direct collaboration between designers and weavers. More importantly, it created a physical space where creativity and craftsmanship could thrive together. Infrastructure like this bridges the gap between tradition and modern fashion production.

5. Education and Personal Growth

When empowerment is genuine, it impacts lives beyond the loom. At Prestige Kente, some weavers have earned enough to further their education, with a few even reaching tertiary level and completing National Service with the company. Supporting the personal goals of weavers — whether academic, entrepreneurial, or creative — helps nurture long-term loyalty and passion.

6. Recognition and Purpose

Many traditional weavers have never seen their work celebrated in high-profile spaces. By connecting their creations to global platforms, fashion events, and cultural festivals, Alma gave weavers something invaluable: pride in their work. Knowing that their designs are worn by brides, featured in international showcases, or admired online fuels the motivation to maintain high standards.

Final Thought

To empower Kente weavers is to invest in the humanity behind the heritage. With the right systems, encouragement, and recognition, these artisans can not only continue producing high-quality Kente but can thrive in a way that sustains the craft for generations.

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