Former President John Dramani Mahama has announced that he will participate as a runway model during this year’s Ghana Fashion Week, scheduled for July.
The announcement came during the official launch of the “Black Star Experience” at the Freedom and Justice Monument at Black Star Square in Accra
This surprising yet exciting revelation was made during the official launch of the Black Star Experience at the Freedom and Justice Monument at Accra’s Black Star Square on May Day.
Addressing a packed crowd of government officials, creatives, and guests, the President received rapturous applause when he declared:
“Yes, when we host the Ghana Fashion Week in July, it will be a full seven-day celebration of our vibrant fashion industry. And this is the interesting part, I, your President, will proudly take to the cutwalk. Because this experience is real, and it belongs to all of us.”
President Mahama stated that he would wear three different outfits designed by local designers during his runway appearance and would give credit to each one.
The President also highlighted other upcoming cultural events under the Black Star Experience, including street carnivals in Accra, Tamale, Kumasi, Ho, and Takoradi, and a “Taste of Ghana” food fair that will showcase local dishes such as banku, fufu and light soup, tuo zaafi, waakye, and his personal favorite, gobe (plantain and beans).
The Black Star Experience, launched on May 1, 2025, is a flagship policy initiative under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a key component of President Mahama’s 2024 campaign manifesto. The initiative aims to project Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, boost tourism, and empower the creative arts industry.
The project was symbolically launched with the unveiling of a yellow flag featuring a bold black star, representing a renewal of national pride and cultural identity.
The policy also outlines structured support for young digital content creators, artisans, and aging artistes.
The President instructed the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, to organize a national ceremony in honor of legendary Highlife musician Agya Koo Nimo.
The Black Star Experience is designed as a year-round celebration of Ghanaian identity. Each month has a designated event or festival intended to elevate the country’s cultural profile and enhance tourism.
According to the initiative’s coordinator, Rex Owusu Marfo, the Black Star Experience is more than a policy,it is a movement.
The initiative is also expected to:Create jobs in the tourism and creative sectors, generate revenue for the state, promote African values and identity, preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage, and drive infrastructure development in tourism hotspots.
Story by; Leanne Opoku Agyemang