Celebrated broadcaster, fashion entrepreneur and Ghana’s Presidential Special Envoy to the Caribbean Region, Kwasi Kyei Darkwah (KKD), has called for a shift towards creativity, entrepreneurship and local production, insisting that Ghana needs more makers, creators and doers to drive economic growth.
He believes Ghana’s development agenda must go beyond producing professionals who interpret and enforce laws to building a generation of innovators, manufacturers and entrepreneurs capable of creating wealth and sustainable employment.
Delivering the keynote address at the Presidential Runway during the Black Star Fashion Week at the Royal Senchi Hotel Resort in Akosombo, KKD stressed that legislation alone cannot guarantee national prosperity.
“I have no problem with the number of people who are coming out as lawyers, but I think this discussion needs to be had that no nation has legislated itself into prosperity. We need makers and doers, not arguers,” he said.
He reiterated his position, insisting that although lawyers remain important to society, Ghana must deliberately produce more people with practical skills who can turn ideas into businesses and contribute directly to the economy.
“We need more makers and doers. Of course, we need the lawyers too, but more makers and doers,” he emphasised.
KKD identified the fashion industry as one of the sectors capable of providing opportunities for young people, noting that the country’s youth possess creativity, digital skills and entrepreneurial potential that can be harnessed to build successful businesses.
He said fashion goes beyond designing clothes, offering employment opportunities in tailoring, weaving, pattern-making, photography, digital marketing, logistics and other creative fields.
He therefore called for increased investment in technical training, mentorship and financial support to help young people develop their talents and establish sustainable careers in the creative industry.
“The future of fashion belongs to our youth,” KKD declared, urging stakeholders to create an enabling environment where young creatives can innovate, build businesses and contribute to Ghana’s economic transformation.
Story: Joseph Owusu Worae
