Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Caribbean Region and popularly known as KKD, delivered a keynote address at the Black Star Fashion Week Runway Event on Saturday, November 7. He urged the government to position the fashion industry as a major driver of tourism, industrial growth and employment, rather than merely a recreational or aesthetic pursuit.
KKD highlighted the global fashion industry’s value of $1.84 trillion, encompassing design, raw material sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, retail and consumption. He argued that strategic investment in the sector could transform Ghana’s cultural identity into economic opportunities and create jobs across the entire fashion value chain.
"By positioning our nation as a vibrant fashion hub, we stimulate cultural tourism, drawing travellers who will fill our hotels, visit our markets and carry our heritage back to the global stage," KKD said. He called on policymakers who view fashion as a “playful enterprise” to recognise its full value chain and its potential to support industrialisation.
The event, which showcased emerging designers, also honoured industry leaders such as Juliana Miranda Norley, Ricci Osei, Kofi Ansah, Joyce Ababio, Nora Bannerman and Tetteh Adzedu for their contributions to Ghana’s fashion scene.
KKD’s remarks come as Ghana seeks new avenues for growth amid a global push for sustainable and culturally rooted industries. The government is expected to review policy frameworks to better support fashion as a key economic sector.
