Black Star Fashion Week summit opens in Accra to boost industry

The maiden Black Star Fashion Week (BSFW) has officially commenced at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, bringing together policymakers, designers, and industry stakeholders to reposition Ghana’s fashion sector. Under the theme "Put Ghana On," the summit marks the start of a series of events designed to showcase local talent and integrate the fashion industry into the national creative economy. Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, opened the proceedings by highlighting the sector's potential to drive job creation and attract international investment.

Minister Gomashie urged stakeholders to view fashion as more than just runway shows, advocating for its development as a strategic pillar of the economy. She emphasized the importance of the entire value chain, from textile production to international distribution, and called for the integration of fashion into Ghana's tourism offerings through cultural festivals and high-profile events. By leveraging cultural assets such as Kente and Adinkra symbols, the Minister noted that designers could promote Ghana's cultural identity while boosting exports. She also acknowledged the contributions of industry pioneers like Kofi Ansah and Oswald Boateng, encouraging emerging designers to leverage Ghana's heritage to attract international attention.

During the summit, the coordinator of the Black Star Experience, Rex Omar, announced significant new initiatives intended to formalize the industry. Starting in 2027, the Secretariat will publish an Annual Ghana Fashion Industry Report to provide credible data for investors and policymakers. Additionally, a new recognition scheme will be established to honor the "pioneers and giants" of the fashion world who have paved the way for current designers. To ensure nationwide representation, the organizers introduced the 16-Region Designer Programme, which identifies and promotes emerging talent from across the country.

Panel discussions also addressed the critical need for intellectual property (IP) protection for indigenous Ghanaian products. Stakeholders called for stronger legal frameworks to protect traditional crafts like fugu and shea butter from exploitation, ensuring fairer remuneration for local artisans. Participants, including designer Elikem Kumordzie and officials from the Ghana Tourism Authority, discussed the importance of education on branding and IP rights to enhance the global visibility of Ghanaian businesses and protect the country’s cultural heritage.

The Black Star Fashion Week will culminate on November 7 with the "Presidential Runway" showcase at the Royal Senchi Hotel in Akosombo. This high-profile event is expected to be attended by President John Mahama and will feature the top designers identified through the regional selection process. The summit also serves as a precursor to the continental AFESTAC event scheduled for late 2026, further cementing Ghana’s role as a hub for African creativity and cultural exchange.