In brief
Ghana’s Black Star Fashion Week ran through Saturday night in Akosombo, drawing designers, traditional leaders, government officials and international partners. Models showcased outfits rooted in Ghanaian heritage on a presidential runway, while speakers urged investment and policy support to lift the industry onto the global stage. The event highlighted the city’s potential as a premium tourist destination and called for stronger media, buyer and government involvement to expand Ghanaian fashion beyond its borders.
On Saturday night, the Black Star Fashion Week wrapped up in Akosombo, Ghana’s Eastern Region, as designers walked a presidential runway that blended Ghanaian heritage with modern style.
The event attracted traditional rulers, government officials and industry players who met to discuss how to grow the local fashion industry and draw international attention.
Rex Owusu Marfo, coordinator of the Black Star Experience Secretariat, said the goal was to raise Ghana’s profile in the global fashion world. He added that holding the event in Akosombo was a deliberate move to showcase the country’s beauty outside the capital and position the town as a premium tourist spot.
"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,"
After the quote, Marfo explained that the fashion week is part of a broader plan to attract investment and international collaboration.
Designer George Tetteh of the Atto Tetteh brand highlighted the root of his inspiration, 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."
Tetteh urged stakeholders to make intentional effort and investment so Ghanaian fashion can reach a global audience.
Fashion designer Titus Nartey Doku, who turns used clothing into trendy designs, stressed the need for concerted action. He said the industry must “go to our own local textile industry” and that media, buyers and government support were needed to push designers beyond the shores of Ghana.
The event concluded with a mix of vibrant music, dance and modern apparel, underscoring the potential for Ghana’s fashion scene to become a key driver of cultural tourism and economic growth, if backed by the right investment and policy environment.
