A Black Star Experience (BSE) official, Edward Boafo Owusu, has defended President John Dramani Mahama following his absence from the Presidential Runway at the maiden Black Star Fashion Week in Akosombo.

Mr Owusu, the Programmes Lead of the Black Star Experience, said the President’s absence should not be interpreted as a disappointment to Ghana’s fashion industry.

Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM, he explained that the President likely had other national responsibilities that prevented him from attending the event on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

He also assured the fashion industry that there would be other opportunities for the President to participate in future fashion events.

“There will be plenty of opportunities for the President to walk on the runway,” he said.

Mahama’s absence raises questions

President Mahama’s absence attracted public attention because he had earlier expressed his intention to walk on the runway as part of efforts to promote Ghanaian fashion and local designers.

The Presidential Runway was held at the Royal Senchi Hotel in Akosombo, bringing the inaugural Black Star Fashion Week to a close.

Entertainment journalist Kwame Dadzie was among those who questioned the President’s absence, arguing that his participation would have demonstrated stronger support for the initiative.

However, Mr Owusu maintained that the event remained valuable to the fashion industry despite the President’s absence.

Minister represented at the event

Mr Owusu also clarified that Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie was represented by her deputy at the Saturday runway showcase.

The Minister had delivered the keynote address at the Black Star Fashion Week summit in Accra on Wednesday, November 4.

The official explained that the Black Star Experience initiative remains committed to creating platforms that promote Ghanaian fashion and provide opportunities for industry players.

Fashion industry goes beyond clothing

Mr Owusu said Ghana’s fashion industry covers more than clothing and tailoring.

He highlighted other areas, including jewellery, bag-making, beauty and lifestyle businesses, describing them as important parts of the creative economy with potential for growth and job creation.

He stressed the importance of providing designers, artisans and other practitioners with platforms that can increase their visibility and connect them to wider markets.

The maiden Black Star Fashion Week was organised under the theme “Put Ghana On”, bringing together established and emerging designers, creative industry stakeholders and fashion enthusiasts.

Seven Ghanaian fashion pioneers were also honoured during the closing event.

The Black Star Experience initiative seeks to promote Ghanaian culture, tourism and creative arts while creating opportunities for local talent to reach wider audiences.

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