A spectacular exhibition of Ghana’s iconic kente cloth has taken centre stage in Moscow, Russia, drawing thousands of visitors and reinforcing the enduring people-to-people ties between the two nations.
The special exhibition, organised by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) in collaboration with Woven Meanings, is an exhibition dedicated to Ghana’s traditional kente textile at the All-Russian Museum of Decorative Arts in Moscow.
The exhibition was organised with the participation of the Centre for Public Diplomacy (CPD), with the direct assistance of the Russian House of the Centre for Public Diplomacy in Ghana, and forms part of the International Festival of African Culture and Cinema Africa with the theme: Together into the Future.
The exhibition is also included in the cultural programme of the Third Russia–Africa Summit.
Kente, one of the most recognisable symbols of Ghana’s cultural heritage, occupies a central place in the exhibition.
The textile is distinguished by its intricate geometric patterns, vibrant colour combinations and rich symbolism.
The designs created by skilled artisans convey historical narratives, social values and cultural traditions that are carefully preserved and passed down from generation to generation.
It has so far attracted almost 11,000 visitors since its opening.
The event, coordinated by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, features exhibitors from Ghana and showcases the rich tapestry of Ghanaian culture through the renowned hand-woven fabric.
Crucial step
President John Dramani Mahama, who visited the exhibition while attending the third Russia-African Summit in Moscow, lauded the initiative, describing it as a crucial step towards consolidating international relationships through cultural understanding.
Addressing the gathering, which included officials of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, as well as members of the Russian parliamentary group for friendship with Ghana, President Mahama said that while government-to-government relations were important, the most enduring partnerships were those forged among ordinary people.
“While we have contacts from government to government, and we have relations between our two governments, the more enduring partnerships are the relations between people and people,” he said.
He noted that the only way to solidify these people-to-people relationships was by understanding each other’s cultures.
“I’m very appreciative that the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, together with their partners, have been able to bring this Kente exhibition to Moscow,” he said.
President Mahama was particularly impressed by the layout and organisation of the exhibits, noting that the explanations of the various pieces, including the meanings of the Adinkra symbols, had been translated into Russian to help visitors to fully appreciate the cultural significance of the works on display.
“I understand almost 11,000 people have so far come to see this exhibition, and it is well laid out, and all the explanations have been translated into Russian, and so you can understand the Adinkra symbols and all the exhibits that are here,” he added.
President Mahama extended his gratitude to the Director of the museum and all the partners for the invitation, offering his congratulations on a successful event that had projected Ghana’s cultural heritage onto the global stage.
A journey through history
The exhibition was a profound journey through Ghana's political and cultural history.
Key exhibits that captivated visitors included the original fugu worn by Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and the famous Fatia fata Nkrumah kente worn by his wife, Fathia.
Also on display were Dr Nkrumah’s original walking stick, a stunning collection of kente from the Ashanti, Eastern, Bono, Ahafo and Volta regions, a brief history of Ghanaian Presidents from Nkrumah to Mahama, and a visual history of the festivals of Ghanaian heritage.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, emphasised the significance of the showcase.
“From the artistry of kente and fugu to the creativity of Ghana’s textile industry, each display celebrated our craftsmanship and identity,” he said.
Mr Arthur added that the event showcased all of Ghana’s past presidents through their political journey, connecting the country’s cultural heritage with the historic moments and leaders who shaped the nation.
“Every weave tells a story. Every exhibition opens a door,” Mr Arthur added.
The Deputy CEO of GEPA, Rashid Kramer, reiterated the authority's commitment to globalising Ghanaian craft.
“At GEPA, we are taking Ghana’s craftsmanship to the world — building connections and creating opportunities for made-in-Ghana products,” he stated.
He added that “Ghana has a wide range of products with export potential.
We have the resources, the entrepreneurs and the products.
The opportunity is out there and at GEPA, our task is to turn that opportunity into sustained export growth”.
