Former Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku‑Mantey, has questioned the apparent silence surrounding the fashion show promised by President John Mahama as part of the Blackstar Experience initiative.
Speaking on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, Okraku‑Mantey reminded listeners that the President had announced during the launch of the Blackstar Experience on May 1, 2025, that a fashion event would take place in July—one in which he himself would walk the runway.
“You guys were promised a fashion show in July by President Mahama and he was going to catwalk himself. July has passed, we are in August,” he told host Kwame Dadzie.
He added that the lack of communication on the matter would have sparked backlash had it occurred under his tenure.
“If I was the one in office, tongues would be wagging at me,” he said.
The fashion show was announced as a major highlight of the Blackstar Experience—an initiative aimed at projecting Ghana’s arts, culture, and creative economy to a global audience.
At the launch in Accra, President Mahama had emphasized his personal commitment to promoting Ghanaian fashion.
“When we host the Ghana fashion week in July, I, your president, will proudly take to the catwalk,” he stated.
“I always wear Made in Ghana clothes, and I have political suits all sewn by Ghanaian tailors. Because this experience is real and it belongs to all of us. On that day, I am going to change three times and walk on the catwalk. And anytime I walk, I will tell you which designer sewed that particular dress.”
As of now, no official communication has been issued regarding the postponement or cancellation of the event.
The Blackstar Experience is the government’s flagship Culture, Arts, and Tourism brand. It is designed to redefine and affirm the Ghanaian identity, attract investment, create jobs, and increase tourism through a year-round celebration of Ghana’s creative and cultural sectors.
Source: Adomonline.com
