Advisor · Kente Registry
Martin Hiles
Advisor for Ghanaian Development and Partnerships
Martin Hiles is a British professional with a long and distinguished association with Ghana, where he has lived and worked for many years. A former Managing Director of the Volta Lake Transport Company, he is Advisor for Ghanaian Development and Partnerships to the Kente Registry.
At a glance
- Former Managing Director, Volta Lake Transport Company Limited (VLTC)
- Earlier career in Ghana’s mining and industrial sectors, associated with the Chamber of Mines
- Many years living and working in Ghana, around Sekondi-Takoradi in the Western Region and Akosombo in the Eastern Region
- Long-standing advocate for inland water transport, better logistics and practical development
- Subject of a chapter in Absolute Radio by Phillip Nyakpo
A career across Ghana’s economy
Martin’s professional career in Ghana has spanned business, logistics, transport, mining and development. As Managing Director of the Volta Lake Transport Company Limited (VLTC), he was closely involved in efforts to unlock the economic and social potential of the Volta Lake as a national transport corridor.
His work there included advocating for more effective inland water transport, better logistics and infrastructure, and practical ways of connecting Ghana’s communities and markets.
Earlier in his Ghanaian career, he worked in the mining and industrial sectors and was associated with the Chamber of Mines. Taken together, this experience has given him an unusually broad view of Ghana’s economy, infrastructure, business environment and regional development.
Engaged with Ghanaian society
Martin’s connection with Ghana extends well beyond his professional life. Over many years in the country he became deeply engaged with Ghanaian society and development issues, particularly in the Western Region around Sekondi-Takoradi, and in and around Akosombo in the Eastern Region.
He has consistently used his experience, relationships and public voice to argue for practical improvements that benefit communities and contribute to Ghana’s long-term development. His interests take in sustainability, local enterprise, agriculture, transport, food security and the responsible use of the country’s natural and human resources.
His perspective is marked by a willingness to question established assumptions, and to look for practical ways of turning Ghana’s considerable resources and capabilities into lasting benefits for its people.
A voice in local media
Martin is the subject of a chapter in Absolute Radio, Phillip Nyakpo’s book about the first private radio station in Ghana’s Western Region. The chapter reflects on his contribution to public discussion in the Sekondi-Takoradi area, and on how he used local media to press for better development outcomes.
He and Phillip have been friends for decades.
Why it matters to the Registry
Martin brings to the Kente Registry a valuable combination of international experience, Ghanaian lived experience, institutional knowledge and a deep appreciation of Ghana’s cultural identity.
As Advisor for Ghanaian Development and Partnerships, he gives independent perspective and guidance as the Registry develops its work to document, preserve and promote the heritage of Ghanaian Kente: its weavers, designs, meanings, histories and communities.
His long relationship with Ghana, and his understanding of why its heritage deserves to be preserved and strengthened, make him a valued addition to the Registry’s growing network of advisors and supporters.