Former Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has called out the silence surrounding President John Mahama’s much-publicised promise to personally catwalk at a fashion show in July as part of the Blackstar Experience initiative.
Okraku-Mantey noted with concern that the fashion show, which was expected to highlight Ghanaian designers and promote locally made garments, never happened — and no explanation has been offered.
“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 said on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM
The former minister questioned the double standards in public accountability, adding, “If I was the one in office, tongues would be wagging at me.”
The promise in question was made by President Mahama earlier this year during an address in which he committed to showcasing his support for Made in Ghana fashion.
“When we host the Ghana fashion week in July, I, your president, will proudly take to the catwalk,” Mahama had announced.
“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.”
The president’s vow had generated excitement among creatives and industry players, many of whom viewed it as a bold step towards boosting Ghana’s fashion industry.
