In a groundbreaking move, Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama is set to make his runway debut at the upcoming Black Star Fashion Week, scheduled for November 4 and 7, 2026. The event will take place in both Accra and Akosombo, with the November 4 instalment featuring a workshop and exhibition in Accra, and the main event on November 7 in Akosombo. This historic appearance was announced by Rex Omar, Coordinator of the Black Star Experience.
The Black Star Fashion Week is part of the wider Black Star Experience initiative, aimed at connecting emerging Ghanaian designers with established industry figures. According to Rex Omar, the event is designed to showcase emerging talent while narrowing the divide between younger and more established players in Ghana's fashion sector. This move is expected to boost Ghana's fashion industry and provide a platform for local designers to showcase their skills.
President Mahama's decision to walk the runway follows through on a commitment he made publicly at the launch of the Black Star Experience in May 2025. At that time, he pledged to walk the runway at a Ghana Fashion Week, intending to change outfits three times and highlight the Ghanaian designers responsible for each look. This move is seen as a significant endorsement of Ghana's fashion industry and a boost to the country's creative sector.
The Black Star Experience is not limited to the fashion week, with Rex Omar also sharing plans for a Ghana-Jamaica Homecoming event at the Legon Stadium. Ghanaian musician Stonebwoy and Jamaican artiste Gramps Morgan are among those confirmed to perform, with additional Jamaican acts also billed for the occasion. This event aims to promote cultural exchange and cooperation between Ghana and Jamaica.
According to Rex Omar, the decision to hold the headline event outside the capital is a deliberate effort to broaden the reach of the Black Star Experience beyond Accra. This move is expected to promote Ghana's fashion industry and provide opportunities for emerging designers to showcase their skills. The event is also seen as a way to promote Ghana's cultural heritage and creative sector.
President Mahama's appearance at the Black Star Fashion Week is not his only recent engagement with Ghana's creative sector. Earlier, he assessed the Black Stars' performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling for the current squad and technical team to remain together ahead of the next AFCON and World Cup. He believes Ghana could win either major competition if the team receives sustained support and preparation.
The Black Star Fashion Week is expected to attract significant attention and promote Ghana's fashion industry. With President Mahama's historic runway debut, the event is set to be a major highlight of Ghana's cultural calendar. The Black Star Experience is a significant initiative aimed at promoting Ghana's creative sector and providing opportunities for emerging designers to showcase their skills.
Key points
- President John Dramani Mahama will make his runway debut at the Black Star Fashion Week in November 2026.
- The Black Star Fashion Week is part of the wider Black Star Experience initiative, aimed at connecting emerging Ghanaian designers with established industry figures.
- The event will take place in both Accra and Akosombo, with a workshop and exhibition in Accra on November 4, and the main event on November 7 in Akosombo.
