In a historic celebration of Ghanaian creativity, the homegrown streetwear collective Free The Youth (FTY) recently presented a pair of its ultra-limited FTY AJ1 “Friends & Family” sneakers to President John Dramani Mahama.

The presentation is a symbolic moment that highlights the rise of Ghana’s youth-driven fashion and cultural influence.

The special edition FTY AJ1 sneakers, created in collaboration with Nike’s Jordan Brand, are among the most coveted releases this year. With only 175 pairs produced worldwide, the shoes fuse eye-catching colours and Ghanaian cultural symbolism with high-end sneaker culture, making them a bold expression of identity and pride.

Founded by Jonathan Coffie, Kelly Foli, Winfred Mensah, and Richard Kweku Ormano, Free The Youth has grown from a local creative collective into a global cultural force — blending fashion, art, music and youth empowerment in a uniquely Ghanaian voice.

The group also operates as a creative agency and NGO, championing opportunities and platforms for young Africans across the continent and the diaspora.

In a now-viral social-media post, the collective shared images of President Mahama receiving the vibrant sneakers with the caption celebrating belief in the “next generation.”

The gesture was more than a fashion handoff — it was a powerful affirmation of youth creativity and national pride, signaling a growing recognition of Ghana’s cultural exports on a global scale.

President Mahama, whose administration has championed youth development programs aimed at expanding entrepreneurial and creative opportunities, welcomed the gift as a sign of how far Ghana’s creative industries have come. His support underscores the increasing role fashion and youth culture play in shaping soft power and national identity.

For Free The Youth, this moment marks another milestone in their mission to redefine what it means to be a young African creative — proving that Ghanaian design, innovation and cultural expression aren’t just trends, but enduring exports with global appeal.

Global music mogul and entrepreneur DJ Khaled has publicly endorsed Ghanaian streetwear brand FreeTheYouth, giving fresh international momentum to a movement that is rapidly redefining African influence in global fashion.

The endorsement follows DJ Khaled receiving a pair from the highly exclusive FreeTheYouth x Air Jordan 1 collaboration, a limited-edition release capped at just 175 pairs worldwide.

The sneakers, already regarded as collector’s items, represent more than fashion—they symbolise youth empowerment, creativity and African identity on one of the world’s most influential cultural platforms.

FreeTheYouth recently made history as the first African brand to secure an official Jordan Brand collaboration, a breakthrough moment that placed Ghana at the centre of global streetwear conversations. DJ Khaled’s embrace of the project further amplifies that achievement, validating the brand’s message and reach far beyond the continent.

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Widely recognised as a tastemaker whose endorsements often shape global trends, DJ Khaled’s association with FreeTheYouth signals a powerful alignment between African street culture and mainstream international fashion. His support positions the Ghanaian brand alongside globally respected creatives and brands, bridging Accra’s youth-driven energy with the world’s biggest cultural stages.

Founded on principles of self-expression and opportunity, FreeTheYouth has grown into a cultural movement, not just a fashion label. Through its designs and storytelling, the brand champions young people in Ghana and across the African diaspora, encouraging them to own their narratives and push beyond limitations.

Industry observers say the Jordan Brand collaboration—and now DJ Khaled’s endorsement—marks a turning point for African streetwear, challenging long-held perceptions about where global fashion influence originates.

With influential figures like DJ Khaled now publicly aligned with FreeTheYouth‘s vision, the Ghanaian brand’s journey from the streets of Accra to the world stage appears only just beginning.

A Ghana-based fashion brand with growing international appeal, First Tribe Africa, is drawing fresh attention after its founder and creative lead, Mr. Mensah, shared a personal reflection on his journey through a widely circulated Instagram post.

In the short video accompanying the post, Mr. Mensah reintroduces himself to followers, describing his evolution from humble beginnings to becoming the CEO and lead designer behind some of Ghana’s most distinctive contemporary fashion pieces.

Known for his oversized suits, custom-made designs and the recently released Ojom Fama collection, the designer pointed out the importance of persistence, creativity and community.

“Seven years ago, I made one of the scariest yet rewarding decisions of my life,” he said, recounting his move to Accra from Kabul to pursue fashion full-time. “It wasn’t easy, but I believed in the power of taking risks and following my passion.”

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Mr. Mensah explained that his work today goes beyond clothing, blending storytelling, digital content creation and fashion to connect with audiences across borders. He noted that what fulfills him most is knowing his designs can positively impact someone’s day, even in a small way.

The post also highlights his broader vision of building an inclusive creative community—one rooted in inspiration, humor and authenticity.

“I want my page to feel like you’re hanging out with a friend,” he said, thanking supporters for being part of his journey.

Creatives like Mr. Mensah and platforms such as First Tribe Africa are helping position the country as a hub for innovation, cultural storytelling and contemporary African design on the world stage.