Bonwire

Bonwire is a town in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, situated northeast of Kumasi. It is part of the cultural sphere of the Ashanti people and is best known for its traditional textile crafts.

The main economic activity in Bonwire is the production of kente cloth. Artisans in Bonwire weave kente on looms, using silk and cotton threads to produce multicolored, patterned fabrics. Weaving is commonly organized into family-run centers that hand down patterns, techniques, and design knowledge through generations. The cloth patterns can carry symbolic meanings and reflect social status, history, or proverbs.

Bonwire hosts a kente weaving village and related markets that attract visitors interested in the craft. Tourists can observe live weaving demonstrations, purchase finished textiles, and learn about the history and symbolism of kente cloth as part of the broader tourist experience in the Ashanti region. The town contributes to the regional identity as a center for traditional textiles.

Context: The Bonwire weaving tradition is part of the wider Kente belt associated with the Akan kingdoms. Craft centers in Bonwire work alongside other textile towns in the region, supporting local livelihoods and preserving an important aspect of Ghanaian cultural heritage.