In brief
In Akosombo on Saturday night, Black Star Fashion Week highlighted Ghanaian heritage through vibrant runway displays and attracted traditional rulers, government officials, and industry leaders. Designers spoke about the need for concerted investment, media exposure, and tourism to elevate Ghana’s fashion profile. The event aimed to position Akosombo as a premium tourist destination and to open avenues for local designers to reach international audiences.
On Saturday night in Akosombo, Ghana’s Eastern Region, the Black Star Fashion Week drew traditional rulers, government officials, industry leaders and international partners to a presidential runway that showcased the creativity and cultural heritage of top Ghanaian designers. Models stepped onto the stage wearing eye‑catching ensembles that highlighted Ghanaian music, dance, and traditional motifs, signaling the event’s aim to elevate the country’s presence on the global fashion map.
The event was convened by the Black Star Experience Secretariat, whose coordinator Rex Owusu Marfo took the podium to speak to the gathered audience. Marfo explained that the choice of Akosombo—outside the usual capital venues—was deliberate, stating,
We have come to Akosombo deliberately. Our vision is simple yet very powerful. We are not in the conventional city hall; instead, we are in this serene, well‑resourced area to showcase the beauty of Ghana beyond our capitals and to position Akosombo as a premium tourist destination.He added that the fashion week was intended to raise Ghana’s profile in the international fashion industry and to spur growth, investment and collaboration.
Designers Highlight Heritage and Call for Investment
The show was anchored by several prominent Ghanaian designers who spoke on the need for landscape changes that would support local talent. George Tetteh, the creative mind behind the Atto Tetteh brand, discussed how his inspiration is rooted in Ghanaian heritage and culture. Tetteh explained that his design process involves a blend of cultural traditions and contemporary trends, saying,
A lot of things go into a creative process, but predominantly it is our heritage, our culture, and then also fashion trends and everything that comes together for a creative to make a collection. Ghana has to make it an intentional effort and investment and then also create avenues like this for us to be able to show our work.He urged stakeholders to focus on infrastructure that would bring Ghanaian fashion to the global stage.
Another designer, Titus Nartey Doku, shared his experience of transforming used clothing into trendy designs and emphasized that a national effort is required to bring local designers to international attention. Doku said,
It’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and then it can be done. We need to go to our own local textile industry. We need the media, and we need buyers. We need the government involved in trying to push the designers out there, outside the shores of Ghana.His remarks underscored the need for media exposure, consumer engagement and governmental support to amplify Ghanaian fashion beyond national borders.
Industry Leaders and Traditional Rulers Join the Conversation
Traditional rulers present at the event voiced support for the creative sector, acknowledging the cultural narratives embedded in the garments showcased on the runway. Their presence reaffirmed the importance of honoring indigenous knowledge and artistic expression, a core pillar of the fashion week’s message. Government officials in attendance echoed the call for increased investment, noting that tourism potential would rise if Ghana’s fashion and cultural industries were highlighted more broadly.
Industry leaders who attended brought attention to the need for research and development in textile production, as well as to building connections between Ghanaian designers and international buyers. By collectively setting the stage for higher standards and visibility, they aimed to keep Akosombo on the map as a destination for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences.
International partners also saw the potential for cross‑border trade. Their participation reflected an understanding that fashion can act as a conduit for cultural exchange, thereby strengthening economic ties between Ghana and the wider global community. Together, the assembly of designers, cultural custodians, policy makers and business stakeholders signaled a unified push towards enhancing Ghana’s position in the fashion world and in regional tourism circuits.
The Black Star Fashion Week concluded with applause for the creative talent that had brought traditional stories to modern fabrics. The event’s reflection on heritage and the calls for investment converge on an overarching conviction: to secure a platform for Ghanaian designers to reach international audiences, to enhance tourism in Akosombo, and to preserve the ancient wisdom embedded in the nation's vibrant cultural tapestry.
