Tiyumba Suweiba Yakubu || Editor Sanatu Zambang
The much anticipated and awaited Northern Ghana Fashion Awards ( NGFA) has officially taken center stage in Tamale.
In a grand ceremony held at the Pioneer Lodge in Tamale on Saturday August 10th 2024, the crème de la crème of the fashion and creative arts industry in the five Northern regions gathered to witness the birth of a new fashion era.
The event was a fusion of style, culture, and creativity, showcasing the best of Northern Ghana’s creative industry.
The awards scheme, which is organized by NGFA in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism is aimed at celebrating and recognizing the contributions of fashion designers, barbers, event organizers, models, and influencers from Northern Ghana who have played a pivotal role in promoting the creative arts industry.
This year’s fashion awards scheme is on the theme “ The role of the Northern fashion industry, in the promotion of tourism, unity and cultural diversity; A panacea for peaceful election 2024”.
Speaking in an interview with Sanatu Zambang studios at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NGFA, Mr. Iddrisu Muftaw said the the award scheme is to help recognize, celebrate, appreciate and honor the great works of the giants in the creative arts industry in the five Northern regions.
“ What sets us apart from the other fashion award shows in the region is branding! We believe in branding, and so far, if you look at the media coverage and activities we have held, it speaks volumes about this show! Just recently we organized a meet and greet for our nominees, which I think is one of the new things we are bringing on board in the fashion awards scheme in the North” he said.
Mr. Muftaw said the public has a 60 percent chance of voting for their preferred candidate, whilst the remaining 40 percent will depend on their hard work on the awards night adding, that voting ends on the eve of September 14th 2024.
“ There are many prizes to be won including motorcycles, fridges, tv sets and cash prizes. I entreat you all to vote for your preferred candidate, so that they will stand the chance of winning big on the awards night” he added.
One of the nominees, Mr. Alhassan who has been nominated in the category of barber shop of the year said he has a unique way of barbering his clients, and that he is sure that he will emerge the best in his category.
Mr. Mohammed Inusah, who spoke on behalf of his nominee, who has been nominated in the category of the stylish youth chief of the year said he and his team have a strategic plan towards the award, and and that they are certain that no one in that category will be able to beat them to win the ultimate price.
The Chief of Choggu traditional area in Tamale, Naa Alhassan Mahamadu who was the guest speaker at the event applauded the organizers for putting together such an initiative to help celebrate the culture and the people of the North.
He however advised the youth to stay away from violence during the December 2024 elections, saying “ We are in the electioneering year and my advice to you is that the moment you are done voting for your candidate, please leave the polling station and go home! Do not give any politician the opportunity to drive you in any political violence, since you can lose your lives through that “ he continued”.
The launch was attended by industry heavyweights, celebrities, and media personalities, all eager to be a part of this groundbreaking movement.
In all, there are 18 categories, which include Barbering Shop of the year, African Wear Fashion Designer of the year, Event Decorator of the year, Fashion Design and Textiles Student of the year, Entertainment Chief of the year, Best Photographer of the Year, Most Stylish Comedian of the year and so on!
As the curtains closed on the launch event, one thing was clear – the Northern Ghana Fashion Awards 2024 is here to stay, and it’s going to change the face of fashion in the North forever!”