Accra,(Greater Accra Region) 28, Sept. The First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, said last night that the translation of the Ghanaian cultural heritage into acceptable modern fashion language should not lead to its debasemant. This was contained in keynote address read for her at the opening of the first international fashion fair in Ghana labelled ” Fashion Fair ’97 at the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre, Accra. Seventy-five exhibitors including four foreigners from Mali, Guinea, Togo and Benin are participating in the week- long fair which seeks to show-case textile and related products. It is being organised by the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited as its contribution to the growth of the fashion industry. Nana Konadu said the of lack financial resources has been the major problem of the fashion industry in Ghana . She asked exhibitors to use the fair to strenghten their marketing capabilities in order to participate meaningfully on the international markets. ” The realities of today’s world require that we adopt a business-like approach to about our fashion industry. ” Too often, we spend an inordinate amount of time and energy on theoretical debates…to the detriment of practical business considerations. ” She said ” Whatever romantic or nostalgic views we may hold about the goldsmith or kente weaver or beads seller , the simple truth about these towering symbols of our vibrant fashion industry is that they are men and women trying to earn a living. ” Present at ceremony were Mr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Minister of Communications and Mr Issac Adjei-Mensah, Minister for Works and Housing.
