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.

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.

Kumasi Central Prison has staged its maiden runway fashion show for inmates, marking a rare and symbolic moment in Ghana’s correctional system.

The historic move is part of efforts by prison authorities to reposition incarceration as a tool for rehabilitation rather than punishment.

The groundbreaking event transformed the prison yard into a fashion runway, drawing an enthusiastic audience that watched as inmates confidently modelled professionally crafted garments, many of which were designed and sewn by the prisoners themselves.

The showcase featured a mix of traditional kente, batik and tie-dye fabrics, alongside contemporary casual and formal wear, reflecting both local heritage and modern fashion influences.

Highlighting Rehabilitation Through Creativity

Speaking at the event, the Officer-in-Charge of Kumasi Central Prison, Deputy Director of Prisons (DDP) James B. Amum, said the fashion show aligns with the “Think Prisons 360 Degrees” initiative, a transformational agenda introduced by the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service.

According to DDP Amum, the initiative seeks to highlight the correctional and reformative role of prisons, using creative arts, vocational training and advocacy to change public perceptions about inmates.

“As a command, we are looking beyond this event to ensure that inmates who demonstrate talent and interest are given the opportunity to be groomed,” he said, adding that such platforms help prepare prisoners for productive reintegration into society.

Tackling Stigma Against Ex-Convicts

The Officer-in-Charge of the Kumasi Female Prison, Chief Superintendent of Prisons (CSP) Florence Eua Asabia Taylor, commended the inmates for their dedication and creativity, while urging the public to move beyond stigma against former prisoners.

She noted that programmes such as the runway show motivate inmates to fully engage in vocational training and challenge the widespread belief that “nothing good can come out” of incarcerated individuals.

“That impression must be reduced,” CSP Taylor said, stressing that with the right support, ex-convicts can make meaningful contributions to society.

Inmate-Designed Fashion and Vocational Training

The event was creatively directed by Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Rashid Kenin, with most of the outfits produced as part of ongoing vocational training programmes within the prison. Fashion designers who mentored the inmates said the show revealed untapped potential among prisoners, particularly in the creative and fashion industries.

The runway showcase formed the grand finale of the Inmates’ Fan Fair 2025, which began on December 22 and included a range of recreational, educational and empowerment activities aimed at inmate development.

Calls for Support and Investment

DSP O. Pua Chibuya praised the collaboration between prison officials, sponsors and creative professionals, calling for increased investment in recreational and rehabilitation programmes within the prison service.

“Times are changing. Imprisonment shouldn’t be punitive; it should reform,” he said, stating that rehabilitation improves the chances of successful reintegration and social harmony.

Several individuals and organisations, including fashion designers, foundations and local businesses, supported the initiative, demonstrating growing private-sector interest in prison reform efforts.