KKD Urges Ghana to Treat Fashion as an Engine for Tourism and Jobs

Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, Ghana's Special Envoy to the Caribbean Region, has called on the government to treat fashion as a serious economic sector that can boost tourism, industrial development and employment, rather than as a leisure pursuit or a matter of looks.

The envoy, widely known as KKD, made the case while giving the keynote address at the Black Star Fashion Week Runway Event on Saturday, November 7, as first reported by Citi News.

He argued that deliberate investment in the sector could turn the country's cultural identity into economic gains and create jobs at every stage of the 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," he said.

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KKD pointed to the scale of the industry worldwide, putting its value at $1.84 trillion. He described it as a network that takes in design, the sourcing of raw materials, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, retail and consumption.

Part of his address was aimed at government officials and policymakers who, in his view, see fashion as a "playful enterprise". He urged them to take note of the full value chain behind the industry and the contribution it could make to Ghana's industrialisation drive.

The runway event drew together stakeholders from across Ghana's fashion industry. Emerging designers used the platform to present their latest creations to the audience.

The occasion was also used to recognise personalities credited with making significant contributions to the growth of the local fashion industry.

Those honoured were Juliana Miranda Norley, Ricci Osei, Kofi Ansah, Joyce Ababio, Nora Bannerman and Tetteh Adzedu.