Accra: Professor George Osei-Adjei, Dean Faculty of Applied Arts, Accra Technical University, has encouraged Ghanaians to patronize African designs to enhance local innovations and creativity across the globe. That, he explained, would create job opportunities for the youth and enhance economic development. The Professor said this during a fashion show exhibition for final-year students from the Fashion Design and Textile Department of the University. The event was on the theme: 'Promoting African Heritage: Our Pride, Our Passion'.
According to Ghana News Agency, the exhibition showcased students' work, including designs, crochet, batik, tie-dye, and footwear, alongside pieces from the School of Ordinance of the Ghana Armed Forces, affiliated with the university. 'We want to go back to our roots. We are promoting the African heritage. We want to show our pride and our passion in African culture,' Prof Osei-Adjei remarked. Despite the high demand for 'already made clothes' imported from abroad, he emphasized the need for Ghanaians to appreciate and buy local designs to boost the economy.
The University has positioned itself to train students in fashion designs and textiles, particularly in the context of competence-based learning, to be relevant in the world of work. Prof Osei-Adjei noted, 'People initially lost interest because they were not finding designers who can sew to their taste.' He assured that the University has taken steps to train students with precision, ensuring they can create artefacts and designs that meet customer expectations.
The fashion show combined tradition with modernity, as noted by Prof Osei-Adjei, who said, 'We are incorporating what the new generation has come to identify with and what the older generations were used to.' This approach aims to blend both traditions, ensuring cultural preservation in clothing, signs, and symbols. Some students expressed excitement about their designs and were optimistic about entering the market to showcase their distinctive creativity.
