Ghana’s fashion scene is bursting with creativity and driven by a vibrant wave of confident, young talent. However, industry experts believe there’s still a significant journey ahead before it can truly stand out on the global stage.
Despite its increasing visibility, Ghana’s fashion sector continues to face major challenges. These include inadequate infrastructure, limited access to funding, weak policy support, and an overdependence on foreign trends—factors that continue to hinder its full potential.
International model and fashion advocate Victoria Michaels is among the prominent voices calling for urgent transformation.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Graphic, she emphasised that while Ghanaian designers possess incredible talent and passion, the current system does not provide the support they need to thrive internationally.
“Ghana’s fashion industry has come a long way, showcasing undeniable creativity and cultural depth. But although we have the talent and the drive, structural and institutional barriers continue to prevent us from reaching full global competitiveness,” she said.
Michaels pointed out several pressing issues, including the lack of production infrastructure, minimal branding consistency, and limited global visibility. Moreover, designers often lack access to mentorship, funding, and tools for digital marketing and export readiness.
“The talent is there,” she stressed, “but what we lack is a solid ecosystem that can help elevate our creatives to the next level.”
Although some efforts are being made to support the broader creative sector, Michaels noted that fashion still does not receive the attention it deserves from policymakers.
“Fashion remains underdeveloped. While there are initiatives that support the creative industry, fashion rarely gets prioritised in national policy. We need targeted investments, strong policy frameworks, and creative-friendly regulations that nurture local talent, protect intellectual property, and enable global expansion,” she explained.
On the subject of identity and authenticity, Michaels addressed how Western beauty ideals continue to influence local fashion, often causing Ghanaian designers to veer away from their roots.
“There’s still a tendency to chase international approval, which feeds into Western aesthetic standards. But I believe we are approaching a turning point—one where originality, cultural heritage, and storytelling are becoming central to how we define Ghanaian fashion. As I always say, we’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re getting there.”
When asked about African representation in international fashion, she acknowledged the persistence of tokenism. African models, she said, are still often used merely to satisfy diversity quotas, rather than being fully embraced and celebrated.