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Avonsige: The intersection of fashion and culture
As I speak to Avonsige Ayinemi Augustina, the visionary CEO and Creative Director of AVONSIGE, she passionately shares her journey with me.
Her voice carries both confidence and warmth, mirroring the essence of her designs yet deeply rooted in culture.
“Fashion for me, is more than just clothing,” she told me. “It is a language, a way of expressing identity, and a bridge that connects our past, present, and future. Every piece I create tells a story, and that story begins with Ghana.”
Her love affair with fashion began as a teenager when she was captivated by an avant-garde show that left an indelible mark on her creative spirit.
“I knew then that I wanted to design unforgettable pieces of garments that leave an impact long after they are worn,” she added.
Encouraged by her supportive parents, she pursued visual arts and textiles, laying the foundation for AVONSIGE, a brand that has since become synonymous with elegance, cultural appreciation, and innovation.
She explains that, AVONSIGE is not just about garments, but rather a gateway into Ghanaian culture, with a signature aesthetic that merges pristine whites with rich indigenous textiles.
Again, she said that people have to see Ghanaian smock and kente, fabric and wear them with pride, knowing that each weave carries centuries of history.
She beams as she described her mission of creating a safe space to understand and appreciate the Ghanaian lifestyle and traditions as the country celebrate Ghanaian heritage month.
Fashion should be a conversation starter, a way to carry our history with us. When you wear AVONSIGE, you are not just wearing fabric; you are wearing the soul of Ghana.”
She paused, then added, “To know our attire is to know our worth.”
Avonsige takes immense pride in sourcing authentic fabrics from the Upper East Region of Ghana. “Our styles and textiles are deeply rooted in the craftsmanship of northern Ghana,” she told me. “From the intricate handwoven smocks to the vibrant kente, each fabric carries the legacy of our ancestors, and we ensure that authenticity is preserved in every piece,” she indicated.
Avonsige’s passion for storytelling is evident in every project she undertakes. “I wanted to push beyond the runway,” she said, eyes alight with excitement.
Her commitment to preserving Ghanaian narratives through fashion is unwavering. “Every stitch, every pattern has meaning,” she noted. “That’s the beauty of our craft – it is a living, breathing testament to who we are.”
Beyond luxury and aesthetics, AVONSIGE is deeply rooted in philanthropy. “Fashion should not only inspire but also uplift,” she tells me. Through her annual initiative, AVONSIGE Runway for a Cause, she recreated original designs into Christmas outfits for orphans and underprivileged children in northern Ghana.
“This is something very close to my heart,” she said with a softening voice. “It is my way of giving back, of ensuring that every child feels valued and beautiful.”
As our conversation draws to a close, Avonsige leaves me with a profound thought: “Fashion is not just about what we wear – it is about the stories we carry, the heritage we embrace, and the future we envision.”
Through her passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication, Avonsige Ayinemi Augustina has turned AVONSIGE into more than just a brand. It is a movement, a celebration of culture, elegance, and purpose.
Join her on this extraordinary journey where fashion is more than a trend, it is a lifestyle, a cultural bridge, and a force for change.
By Geoffrey Buta
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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.
