In the heart of Accra’s buzzing fashion districts—from the tailors of Osu to the high-end ateliers in East Legon—there has never been a shortage of “vibes.”

Ghanaian designers possess a unique, innate ability to weave heritage into every seam. Yet, for many early-stage brands, the path from a stunning runway collection to a sustainable, bankable business remains a complex puzzle.

Enter Creative DNA, a 16-week accelerator program that is finally bridging the gap between raw creative talent and commercial dominance.

A collaboration between the British Council Ghana and MyRunwayGroup, this initiative is the first of its kind in the country, specifically engineered to turn “one-man-show” fashion brands into globally competitive enterprises.

More Than Just a Runway

While the fashion world often fixates on the final walk, Creative DNA focuses on the “DNA” of the business itself. The program isn’t looking for perfection; it’s looking for potential. For 16 intensive weeks, selected participants will transform through:

• Business Mastery: Moving away from unstructured operations toward scalable growth strategies.
• Direct Mentorship: Gaining a seat at the table with industry titans who have already navigated the global market.
• Market Pipelines: Opening doors to international audiences, effectively shattering the “saturated market” myth by connecting local brands to the UK and beyond.

The £15,000 Catalyst

One of the most significant barriers for Ghanaian designers has always been capital. Creative DNA addresses this head-on with a £15,000 grant pot.

This isn’t just a handout; it is a strategic injection of funds designed to help designers refine their production, improve quality control, and prepare for the rigors of international trade.

It is the fuel intended to take a brand from a local workshop to a global digital storefront.

Don’t Wait for the Next Season

The fashion industry moves at lightning speed, and opportunities like this are the “limited edition” drops of the business world. Whether you are an emerging designer or a brand looking to scale, the structure and visibility offered here are the missing threads in your success story.

The clock is ticking. Applications are currently open but will close on March 22, 2026. If you’re ready to trade the struggle for strategy, visit www.myrunwaygroup.com or head over to the Instagram pages of My Runway Group and British Council Ghana to secure your spot.

In the coastal city of Tema, there is a season where the rhythm of the Atlantic waves meets the steady beat of traditional drums. It’s a time when the modern industrial hub pauses to honor a sanctuary older than its factories: the Sakumo Lagoon.

If you find yourself in Ghana this late March, you aren’t just a spectator; you are a guest at one of the most tactile and environmentally conscious celebrations in the Greater Accra Region—the Kpledjoo Festival.

The Soul of the Lagoon

For five months, a heavy silence hangs over the Sakumo Lagoon. A strict ban on fishing and crab trapping ensures the waters remain undisturbed, allowing the ecosystem to breathe and replenish.

This isn’t just tradition; it’s an ancient masterclass in sustainability. By the time March 28th arrives, the lagoon is teeming with life, ready to sustain the community for another year.

The festival begins with a sacred dialogue between the spiritual and the physical. On the banks of the lagoon, the High Priest performs intricate rituals to appease the deities—Nayao, Awudu, Sakumo, and Tsade.

Only after these rites are completed is the ban lifted, signaling a literal and metaphorical “opening of the gates” to the people.

Why You Can’t Miss the Hug

While many festivals are defined by distance and pageantry, Kpledjoo is defined by proximity. The climax of the event is a grand durbar that dissolves into a “free-for-all” hugging session.

In a world that often feels divided, seeing the chiefs, elders, and thousands of residents—both native and foreign—wrapped in passionate embraces is a sight to behold. This “hugging ritual” serves as a powerful social equalizer.

It’s a moment where old grudges are squeezed out, and the spirit of community is physically reinforced. Whether you are a tourist from Tokyo or a native of Tema, don’t be surprised if you find yourself pulled into a warm, genuine embrace by a total stranger.

A Masterclass in Peer Review

Kpledjoo also features a unique “peer review” system that would make modern HR departments envious. Youth groups, dressed in vibrant, fanciful costumes, roam the streets singing Kple songs. These aren’t just melodies; they are musical report cards. They praise individuals who have done good deeds throughout the year and playfully “name and shame” those whose behavior has fallen short. It’s a rhythmic, witty way of maintaining the moral fabric of the city.

Event Details

• Date: March 28, 2026
• Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Venue: Tema, Greater Accra Region (Start at the Sakumo Lagoon banks)

Recommendation

To get the full experience, arrive early in Tema Newtown. Find a spot near the lagoon to witness the priests’ arrival, but keep your camera ready for the afternoon durbar. Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing (white is a great choice to blend with the traditional aesthetic) and be prepared to move with the crowd. Most importantly, bring an open heart—you will be hugged!

In the heart of Kumasi, where the air often carries the scent of tropical rain and roasting plantain, lies a palace that holds the soul of the Asante people.

The Manhyia Palace isn’t just a residence; it is a living monument.

Every six weeks, this courtyard transforms into a sea of woven Kente and rhythmic drumming for the Akwasidae Festival. On Sunday, March 15, 2026, the drums will beat once more, inviting the world to witness a spectacle of royalty, reverence, and profound heritage.

A Sacred Rhythm

Akwasidae is not a mere “performance” for onlookers; it is a sacred obligation. Following the Akan calendar, which operates on a 42-day cycle, the festival serves as a bridge between the living and the ancestors.

It is a moment for the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti, to commune with those who came before him, offering etor (mashed yam) and libations to ensure the continued prosperity of the kingdom.

For a nation that balances rapid modernization with deep-rooted tradition, Akwasidae is the anchor.

Seeing the Asantehene sit in state, surrounded by his sub-chiefs and the legendary Golden Stool (represented by its spiritual presence), is a reminder that some things are timeless.

Why You Should Make the Journey

If you are a traveler landing in Ghana for the first time, your journey is incomplete without Kumasi. While Accra offers the bustle of a metropolis, Kumasi offers the weight of history. Attending Akwasidae is the most immersive way to understand the Ghanaian psyche. You aren’t just reading about a kingdom in a textbook; you are standing in the middle of one. You will hear the Fontomfrom drums talk, watch the intricate hand signals of the linguists, and see the heavy gold jewelry that tells stories of ancient wealth and power.

For the native Ghanaian, Akwasidae is a homecoming. In an era of digital noise, there is something incredibly grounding about returning to the “Garden City.” The first ceremony of 2026 has already set a high bar, featuring a vibrant parade by the Royal Police Ladies and visits from top-tier dignitaries. The March 15th celebration promises to be even more expansive, blending the solemnity of ancestral rites with the vibrant energy of a community in celebration.

The Experience

Expect to arrive early. By 8:00 am, the palace grounds will already be humming. The dress code is naturally respectful; you will see the most exquisite Kente cloth on earth draped over shoulders like works of art. As the Asantehene makes his grand entry, carried in a palanquin under a massive, colorful umbrella, the energy is electric. It is a masterclass in diplomacy, culture, and pure, unadulterated African pride.

• Date: March 15, 2026
• Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Venue: Manhyia Palace, Kumasi
• Organizer: Manhyia Palace

Whether you come for the photography, the history, or the spiritual connection, you will leave Manhyia feeling like you’ve touched the very fabric of Ghana.