By Yussif Ibrahim
Bonwire (Ash), Oct. 10, GNA – MTN Ghana has presented a cheque of GHC 10,000.00, assorted drinks and 1,000.00 worth of airtime to Nana Bobie Ansah II, Chief of Bonwire in support of the 2024 Bonwire Kente Festival.
The festival is celebrated annually to promote and mark the invention of the Kente industry in the town of Bonwire in the Ejisu Municipality.
History has it that two natives of Bonwire in the 16th century observed how the spider wove its web in a forest at Bonwire-Korankye and after series of experiments came up with a fabric, which they called “Nwin-Ntoma.”
Years later, the two came up with an improved form of their invention, which had the semblance of the surface of local basket (kenten), hence the people of Bonwire called it “Kenten Nwin-Ntoma” which was later corrupted as “Kente.”
Having become a popular attire for traditional and social events in Asanteman and beyond over the years, the chiefs and people of Bonwire commemorate the festival to mark the origin of the cloth.
MTN Ghana, which is known for supporting various festivals across the country as an African firm, visited the Bonwire Palace to offer their support as always.
Mr. Simon Amoh, Senior Manager, General Trade for Northern Ghana, who led the MTN team to make the presentation, said as Africans, “we are defined by our culture and that MTN as an African company believed in supporting festivals such as the Bonwire Kente Festival.
“This is not the first because we have been supporting major festivals across the country since the beginning of the year.
“Recently, we supported the Fetu Afahye and Asogli Festival,” he said.
He said MTN would set up customer service point during the week-long festivities to support participants with services and MTN products they may need during the period.
“Production of Kente largely requires a larger market for manufacturers to be able to sell and earn money to take care of their families, the community and Ghana at large, so we are also going to provide opportunity for Kente manufacturers to leverage in order to access bigger markets, using our platforms to sell their products,” Mr. Amoh assured.
Nana Bobie Ansah applauded MTN for their continuous support towards the festival over the years, and extended official invitation to the company to partake in the festival scheduled for October 14 -20.
GNA