Fashion must become a pillar of Ghana’s creative economy – Abla Gomashie

Ghana's Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has urged the fashion industry to be considered a "strategic pillar" of the country's creative economy. Speaking at the 2026 Black Star Fashion Summit, the minister highlighted fashion's potential to generate employment, attract investment and increase exports.

She emphasized Ghana's rich cultural heritage, including traditional fabrics such as Kente and Adinkra symbols, as a foundation for innovation in the sector. Gomashie called for increased investment, enhanced production capabilities, and improved market access for the industry, which could create thousands of jobs, especially for the youth.

She further advocated for the integration of fashion into Ghana's tourism offerings, suggesting that fashion weeks, textile exhibitions, cultural festivals, heritage tours, and creative markets should be integral parts of the national tourism calendar. The minister also outlined the government's vision to position Ghana as a destination where visitors not only admire its attractions but also experience its creativity, cultural richness, and creative industries.

The 2026 Black Star Fashion Week, organized by the Black Star Experience and themed "Put Fashion On," aims to recognize and support Ghanaian designers, stylists, artisans, and makers while promoting the use of Ghanaian fashion in various aspects of daily life, including offices, schools, and the global stage.