Former Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku‑Mantey, has questioned why the fashion show promised by government as part of the Blackstar Experience has not been held.

Speaking on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, Okraku‑Mantey reminded listeners that President John Mahama announced during the launch of the Blackstar Experience on 1st May 2025 that a fashion event would take place in July, with the President himself expected to walk the runway.

“You guys were promised a fashion show in July by President Mahama and he was going to catwalk himself. July has passed, we are in August,” he told host Kwame Dadzie.

He added that the silence over the matter would have been met with criticism if he were in office. 

“If I was the one in office tongues would be wagging at me,” he said.

The proposed fashion show was announced as one of the highlights of the Blackstar Experience, an initiative aimed at showcasing Ghana’s arts, culture and creative industry to a global audience.

Speaking at the launch of the Black Star Experience in Accra on May 1, 2025, the president, John Dramani Mahama underscored his commitment to promoting Ghanaian fashion.

“When we host the Ghana fashion week in July, I, your president, will proudly take to the catwalk.

I always wear Made in Ghana clothes, and I have political suits all sewn by Ghanaian tailors. Because this experience is real and it belongs to all of us. On that day, I am going to change three times and walk on the catwalk. And anytime I walk, I will tell you which designer sewed that particular dress,” he said.

No official communication has been issued on whether the fashion show has been postponed or cancelled. 

The Black Star Experience’ is the government's flagship Culture, Arts, and Tourism brand to redefine and affirm the Ghanaian identity, attract investments, create new jobs, and increase tourism. 

It will undertake a year-round celebration in all the major entertainment, artistic, and educational disciplines.