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‘Ahofade’ creates opportunity for local fashion industry – Reuben Frimpong
Advancement in technology has paved the way for e-commerce platforms such that consumers are able to spend less time shopping for items which may not be available in their locality.
A number of leading outlets offering this kind of ‘convenience’ readily come to mind but many of them do not stock authentic local products or are not wholly owned by Ghanaians.
It is, therefore, refreshing when young people spot this gap and come up with practical solutions that do not only employ other people but create also opportunities for indigenous businesses to thrive.
One of them is Mr. Reuben Frimpong who has embarked on progressive mission specifically tailored for players in the fashion industry. About two years ago, he and his team started ‘Ahofade’ an online platform which is fast becoming a one-stop shop for fashion and fashion accessories made here in Ghana.
The Founder recently interacted with The Spectator on his inspiration, the uniqueness of the platform and why buyers must not shun online businesses in spite of the growing skepticism within the space.
Background
Reuben, a third-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) Information Technology (IT) student at University of Ghana, Legon, has background in software engineering and has worked on a number of projects in last five years.
He said his interest in computer related programmes was piqued as a result of his participation in various technology fairs. So, after completing St Martin Senior High School at Nsawam in the Eastern Region, he enrolled at IPMC College of Technology in Accra before deciding to study further in the university.
According to him, Ahofade.com began after observing that some players in the fashion industry were selling to a smaller community when there was, indeed, the potential of reaching wider markets through the power of the internet.
“I thought of building [an outlet] where people can purchase these same items without going to the physical location of the seller.
“But considering that people were being scammed online, I thought we could establish a trustworthy brand such that whatever your request, you have the same thing delivered without being short-changed and that was how the whole idea came about,” he said.
Company
Reuben explained that the feasibility studies for the establishment of the company started early in 2021 after which other paper works and specific objectives of the company were clearly defined.
Despite initial setbacks, he said, ‘Ahofade’ was being accepted as a “lifestyle brand” that had fashionable products designed to meet every need.
The platform which has the “adinkra” symbol in its logo displays an array of items including shoes, bags, watches, dresses and accessories for both men and women at relatively affordable prices quoted in Ghanaian currency, the Cedi.
“We use the adinkra symbol in our logo to project the Ghanaian value. We want to make people know that there are quality products in Ghana that can be trusted.
“We deal with people who are already in business but are not exposing what they have to the rest of the world. We reach out to them and tell them what we can offer, we inspect their items, verify their location and they in turn sign onto our platform,” he said.
Competition
Mr. Frimpong maintained that ‘Ahofade’ was not in competition with existing e-commerce platforms as it focused mainly on local manufacturers unlike others that assembled products from all over the world.
“We are creating more opportunity for local manufactures in the fashion space and helping them to employ more people. It is a progressive journey and as we discover more people, we bring them on board. The plan is for us to be able to export these products and attract foreign exchange to local producers,” he added.
He noted response had been positive since inception as well-established individuals and firms in Accra and beyond continued to show confidence in their excellent service delivery.
Future
The founder said his team was constantly working to improve the user experience of the platform as it intensified public education on how to do business online without falling prey to impostors.
Providing further details on how the online platform operates, he said that businesses register for free but only paid a percentage (usually not more than 20 per cent) after selling their products via the website.
Mr. Frimpong plans to make ‘Ahofade’ a household name and a reference point for all local fashion gears and accessories. He said “people determined to start an e-commerce business to identify the exact problem they wish to solve and bear in mind that having a website alone is not enough.”
“Running a website costs money so you have to think of sustaining it even without making profit for at least a year or more. Talk to people who are already there and seek guidance when starting this kind of business,” he advised.
By Ernest Nutsugah
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
