Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) has unveiled a new traditional cloth as the official wear for the University on Monday, 11th November, 2019 at the Great Hall of the University. The blue-black, yellow orca and red-orange newly created cloth was unveiled amidst pump and pageantry with the Modeling Team from the Faculty of Creative Arts and Technology (FCAT) spicing up the event with their splendid catwalk.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of KsTU Nana Ing. Prof. Osei-Wusu Achaw emphasized the fact that the unveiling of the new cloth gives the University a new opportunity to put up a new face which should permeate through every facet of the University with regard to how things are done. He made the point that the new cloth is not just to distinguish the University from others, but more importantly, it should reinforce the era of attitudinal change that all members of the University Community have resolved to make. He emphasized that “It was a way of presenting new ideas and new ways of doing things”. According to the Chief Executive Officer of the University, it was also a way of patronizing made-in-Ghana products and he encouraged all staff to patronize and wear the cloth at least, twice in a week but not just as Friday wear.
Addressing the gathering, the Dean of FCAT, Rev. Dr. Timothy Crentsil spoke about how institutions go through various phases in their lives and the need to change at one point in time or the other. He said the conversion of the Institution to a technical university requires rebranding of everything about the Institution including its logo, letter heads, signage, the University anthem among others. According to him, the unveiling of the new cloth was an addition to the rebranding process of the University.
Recounting the processes involved in making of the cloth, the Dean of FCAT intimated that the concept for the design was conceived by the Faculty after which a team of designers were put together from the Department of Fashion Design and Textiles. The team came up with several designs and went through several committees, boards and unions to secure their approval.
He explained further that the design for the cloth was based on arrangement of elements from the University’s logo and emblem. Some of these elements are the stool which symbolises academic authority; a book, symbolising knowledge; a flame, denoting that knowledge brightens; a wheel which symbolises industry and relevance of the programmes and courses of study which facilitate socio-economic development of the country. Also found in the cloth are Adinkra symbols “Nea Onnim” (he who does not know) as well as symbol of knowledge and learning.
The Registrar Mr. Ebenezer Kofi Boakye thanked the staff of FCAT for their hard work by producing the cloth. Present at the event were Deans and Directors, staff and some students of the University.
Picture: (from left) Mr James Osei Brobbey, Mr Ebenezer Kofi Boakye, Ing. Prof Osei-Wusu Achaw and Rev. Crenstil unveiling the cloth.
