Fashion
Akumaa Mama Zimbi’s Signature Headgear: A Fashion Legacy
In a world of fleeting trends, Joyce Akumaa Dongotey-Padi, popularly known as Akumaa Mama Zimbi, stands tall — quite literally with a headscarf that defies convention and commands attention.
For over two decades, the veteran media personality has wrapped herself in yards of meaning, turning fabric into a statement of identity, pride, and power.
Her signature headgear, often crafted from eight to twenty yards of cloth, is more than a fashion choice — it’s a cultural crown.
“Sometimes I go all out and wear 12 yards,” she shared with a smile during a recent interview.
Akumaa said the headgear’s base is often rich purple, layered with vibrant African prints that reflect her bold spirit and deep connection to tradition.
Whether she is hosting on Adom TV or mentoring young women through her foundation (Mama Zimbi Foundation), Akumaa Mama Zimbi’s looks remain unmistakable.
Her ‘duku’ is not just wrapped — it is woven with purpose.
Her style is a reminder that, to wear culture is to wear confidence.
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
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KPALANGA-INSPIRED fashion designs took centre stage in Tamale during the launch of the ‘Fugu Wednesday Wear’ initiative by the National Investment Bank PLC.
The Tamale-based fashion brand SNIKIA NEWLUK showcased a collection of modern outfits made from traditional Fugu fabric, presenting creative designs that blended Northern Ghana’s iconic smock with contemporary fashion styles.
Models walked the runway in uniquely tailored outfits that highlighted the versatility of Kpalanga, a modern interpretation of the traditional Fugu designed to appeal to younger generations and professionals.
Speaking on the side-lines of the event, the founder of SNIKIA NEWLUK said the brand aims to modernise Northern Ghanaian fashion while preserving its cultural identity.
The event formed part of activities marking the launch of the National Fugu Wednesday initiative, which encourages Ghanaians to wear locally made smocks every Wednesday to promote Ghanaian culture and support the local fashion industry.
From Geoffrey Kwame Buta, Tamale
In the bustling streets of Accra, braided crowns, coiled Afros, and beaded locks are more than fashion statements. They are living testaments to heritage, resilience, and identity.
The Afro, which rose to prominence in the 1960s and 70s, was more than a hairstyle. It became a symbol of defiance against Eurocentric beauty standards and a proud declaration of Black identity.
But the story of African hair stretches back centuries. Ancient carvings from Egypt depict intricate braids and cornrows, styles that carried messages of social status, age, and even spirituality. Across West Africa, beads and cowrie shells were woven into hair, turning each head into a canvas of culture and artistry.
“Hair was never just hair,” says cultural historian Ama Ofori. “It was a language, a way of telling the world who you were and where you came from.”
Colonial rule attempted to suppress these traditions, branding natural hair as ‘unruly.’ Yet, generations later, the revival of the Afro and traditional styles has reclaimed that narrative. Today, braids, twists, and Afros are celebrated on runways, in music videos, and on city streets worldwide.
For many young Africans, embracing natural hair is both a fashion choice and a way of honouring ancestors while shaping modern identity. “When I wear my Afro,” says student and stylist Efua Mensah, “I feel connected to history. It’s not just style, it’s strength.”
As the global fashion industry increasingly embraces African-inspired looks, the Afro reminds us that beauty is not only about trends. It is about heritage, pride, and the stories carried in every strand.
By Beatrice Wornovi
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