ADVERTISEMENT

These top Ghanaian politicians are growing the economy through fashion

Here are some of the top Ghanaian politicians who are growing the Ghanaian economy through fashion

President Nana Akufo-Addo then Candidate Akufo-Addo and his economic whiz-kid of a running mate now Vice-President Dr Mahamadu Bawumia campaigned mainly on the economy which they claim had been run down by its opponent, the Mahama-led administration.

In an era where there was erratic energy supply, corruption, high public debt, and the cedi’s inability to stand against the dollar, a lot of young people bought into the idea of economic sovereignty and prosperity by Nana Addo.  These young people worked in several fields including the creative arts arena such as fashion design, textile making, photography, graphic design, makeup, hair, styling, music and more.

Fast-Forward to 2017, the President and his “competent” team are at work and so far they seem to be walking they talk by helping to revive and grow the economy. One of such areas where the Akufo-Addo and even other administrations have helped grow the economy is the patronization of made in Ghana goods.

ADVERTISEMENT

In 2007, former President Kuffuor, a member of President Akufo-Addo’s party introduced the Friday wear concept as well as other policies to steer up the love of Ghanaian made artefacts.

The move seemed to have helped in the area of fashion as the majority of citizens begun to patronise African print outfits.  Several government officials, corporate organisations, groups and more have continued to wear Made in Ghana outfits to contribute to the economy whiles celebrating Ghanaian culture and lifestyle

The first gentleman of the land, Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo was not a keen lover of African prints or Fugu before he ascended the presidency. However, the story has changed as he usually spotted in public in several bespoke wax-textiles shirts made right here in Ghana.  He has also opted for Ghanaian made suits over his signature British and Italian-made suits whiles still sticking to quality. As a role model for both young and old men in Ghana, his new style is influencing them to look dapper in these pieces as he contributes to the economy immensely.

A technocrat and a shy man who has an unassuming smile, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, Ghana’s Vice-President is following the footsteps of his boss by wearing African prints. Prior to the presidency, Dr Bawumia was contributing to Ghanaian fashion in own little way by wearing his native fugu, agbada and Batakari at several functions

The mother of the nation, fondly referred to as Lady Rebecca is also another person who is spearheading the “Patronize Made in Ghana” concept. Just like the other first ladies before her, Mrs Akufo-Addo has brought his own personal style to bear in her new position. A lady of class, high taste and prestige, Mrs Akufo-Addo has turned heads in outfits from VH Mode, Le Bon Collections and other fashion houses.

ADVERTISEMENT

Wife of the Vice-President, Mrs Samira Bawumia has warmed her way into several hearts and stepped on a few toes too in that regard. The delectable brainy beauty’s style has caught on with a lot of woman of her age as well as other young Muslim women. At every national gathering, she’s always on the list of best dressed usually in African print fabrics and recently batakari fabrics too. Mrs Bawumia has stolen the show in pieces from Pistis, Velma’s accessories, etc.

Deputy majority leader and Minister in Charge of Procurement, Hon Lawyer Sarah Adwoa Sarfo has also joined the Wear Ghana gang. Since assuming the two major positions, the legislator has also taken her Ghanaian fashion to another level. She’s been seen dabbling in pieces from Anasimba By Zita, Pistis among other designers. By buying these products, revenue and income trickle into the Ghanaian economy through tax and other investments.

Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Alan Kwakwo Kyeremanteng has always been a lover of made in Ghana goods. The handsome gentleman even in 2007 when he held this same position got along with local Ghanaian designers very well and employed their services immensely. Mr Kyeremanteng continues to look suave in these pieces

Minster of Communication, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful is also growing the fashion economy through her purchase of African print outfits, Kente fabrics and batik pieces too. The Firebrand legislator is investing so much into Ghanaian-made designs, makeup, jewellery and styling advice and convincing other colleague ministers to do same

John Peter-Amewu, Ghana’s Minister for Land and Natural Resources, is also a lover of made in Ghana products.  The Patriotic minister wears a lot of linen kaftans, African prints shirts and a few of batakari here and there.

ADVERTISEMENT

New to politics but very old in the public arena, Deputy minister of Information, Hon Kojo Oppong Nkrumah is a man whose star keeps rising. The Ofoase-Ayirebi legislator is already positioning himself to be a style icon and role model for young Ghanaian men. The sharp POJOBA and GIMPA-trained lawyer is also spotted in very exciting and vibrant African print shirts as well as Kaftans. All in contributing to the Ghanaian economy.

Well-branded fabrics and outfits from Ghana continues to enjoy international attention and patronage especially in EU countries as well as the U.S. Figures available from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) indicates that total exports of textiles and garments amounted to US $ 53,549,700 in 2011.

In the same year, 24,387,967 volumes of textiles and garments were exported to the country’s trading partners including the United States and the European Union of Ghana.

Government supports the fashion and textile industry through the National Vocational Training Institutes scattered across the country. These training institutes provide basic practical and theoretical training in tailoring and dressmaking.  There is also monetary and technical support for private fashion design institutes and internationally acclaimed designers that teach latest techniques to aspiring designers.

ADVERTISEMENT

The government has initiated various policies aimed at restructuring and improving the textiles industry. The objectives of government centres around employment creation for the youth, expansion and diversification of the economy which is a service-oriented one into a production-based economy as well promotion of both domestic and foreign investment.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT