Fashion industry experts have called on Ghanaian designers and manufacturers to improve product quality, strengthen production capacity and develop specialised technical skills to compete effectively in international markets.
The call was made during a masterclass at the Black Star Fashion Week 2026 Summit, which explored strategies for positioning Ghanaian fashion brands beyond the local market.
The session featured Deputy Director of the Industrial Arts and Crafts Department at the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Nelly Joana Spio-Ababio; Founder and President of JACCD Design Institute Africa, Joyce Ababio; and Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Kofi Okyere Darko. It was moderated by celebrated entertainment journalist Kwame Dadzie.
Nelly Joana Spio-Ababio said consistency in product quality, sizing, fabric and colour was essential to attracting and retaining international buyers.
She explained that designers must understand the requirements of their target markets and ensure their products meet the standards expected by buyers.
Joyce Ababio identified the shortage of specialised technical workers as another major challenge facing Ghana’s fashion and garment manufacturing industry.
She said the sector needed more trained pattern drafters, quality control officers, production technicians and factory line managers to support large-scale production.
Kofi Okyere Darko challenged designers to look beyond small production volumes and assess their ability to fulfil orders running into thousands of pieces.
He urged entrepreneurs to determine whether they intended to build niche brands or businesses capable of serving larger markets, stressing the need to develop production capacity in line with their ambitions.
The panellists agreed that international exposure alone would not guarantee success if local businesses lacked the technical expertise, quality standards and manufacturing systems to meet buyers’ expectations.
They therefore called for stronger industry training, improved manufacturing structures and greater collaboration to prepare Ghanaian fashion businesses for opportunities in the global market.
The masterclass was monitored by entertainment journalist Joseph Owusu Worae.
The Black Star Fashion Week 2026 Summit forms part of activities leading to the Presidential Runway Fashion Show, scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at the Royal Senchi Resort. The event is expected to showcase Ghanaian fashion and highlight its potential to attract investment and international attention.
