Entertainment
TGMA fashion falls short of expectations — Fashion PR
The 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) may have delivered on its promise to celebrate musical excellence, but when it came to fashion, the red carpet left much to be desired, according to fashion publicist Faith Senam Ocloo.
In a candid review of the evening’s fashion, Ocloo expressed disappointment at the overall styling and presentation of many of the night’s attendees, noting that only a handful truly embraced the glamour and creativity expected on such a major platform.
Ms Ocloo said this in an interview with The Spectator Agoro in Accra last week.
“The overall fashion at this year’s TGMA was a little disappointing, honestly, we had very few great looks on the night compared to the number that didn’t look red carpet-worthy.”
While acknowledging the efforts of some talents who exhibited thoughtful styling and clear fashion direction, Ocloo criticised the majority for playing it safe or failing to deliver cohesive, well-executed outfits.
She pointed out that despite years of public scrutiny, many industry players still fall short in their red carpet presentation.
“This is the biggest night for Ghana’s music industry, and I would expect people to show up really fashionable,” she said.
According to Ms Ocloo, although there is growing interest in bold fashion statements, the local industry still lacks the robust styling, grooming, and creative direction needed to elevate fashion standards at such high-profile events.
She highlighted Empress Gifty, Fella Makafui, and Piesie Esther as among the few who stood out with polished yet safe looks, adding that while they were not “out of this world,” they managed to pull off strong fashion moments.
Ms Ocloo also drew comparisons with other continental events, particularly the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), which she praised for building a strong fashion ecosystem involving stylists, designers, glam teams, and the media.
“What the TGMA is currently lacking is that sense of intentionality and coordination,” she said. “We need to treat our award shows as platforms for creative storytelling, not just appearances.”
She further emphasised the need for deeper investments in fashion education, better collaboration with local designers, and a red carpet culture that prioritises individuality and excellence.
Reflecting on the night, Ocloo acknowledged the significance of the awards in spotlighting musical talent but noted that the event’s production and fashion execution still have room for improvement.
“It’s a reflection of the broader creative economy – we’re still on the path. But with more collaboration between music, fashion, and media, the TGMA can become a truly iconic night for Ghanaian pop culture,” she concluded.
Fashion enthusiasts, shoppers, and industry stakeholders gathered at the A&C Mall at East Legon on Saturday as Ghanaian fashion brand, Neesa Atelier officially opened its newest retail outlet to unveil an exclusive capsule collection inspired by West Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
The launch, held as an intimate ‘Sip & Shop’ experience, marked a significant milestone for the growing fashion brand as it expanded its physical presence while showcasing its latest collection, Dust & Raffia.
The collection offers a creative exploration of the cultural links between Ghana and Mali, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion design. Guests at the event were given a first look at the limited-edition pieces, which featured a hand-spun cord, raffia, jute, and Bogolan (mudcloth) elements.
According to the Creative Director of Neesa Atelier, Pamela Sarkodee, the collection celebrates the enduring connections among African communities and highlights the beauty of indigenous craftsmanship.
“This collection celebrates the stories that connect us across borders. By bringing together Bogolan, raffia, jute, and cordwork, we wanted to create pieces that honour heritage while presenting a contemporary vision of African luxury,” she said.
Throughout the event, guests toured the new retail space, interacted with the collection, and enjoyed an exclusive shopping experience that included special in-store offers. The occasion also provided an opportunity for fashion lovers to engage with the brand’s vision of blending culture, creativity, and community.
The Dust & Raffia collection draws inspiration from the textures, symbols, and traditions that have connected Ghanaian and Malian communities over generations. Through the use of natural materials and handcrafted techniques, the collection seeks to preserve cultural narratives while presenting them through modern fashion.
The new A&C Mall outlet has been designed to provide customers with an immersive shopping experience, giving them access to Neesa Atelier’s signature collections as well as future releases within one of Accra’s leading retail and lifestyle destinations.
Industry observers say the expansion reinforces Neesa Atelier’s growing reputation within Ghana’s fashion industry as a contemporary African brand committed to celebrating identity, heritage, and craftsmanship through innovative design.
The Dust & Raffia capsule collection is currently available for pre-order, with a wider public release expected in the coming weeks.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
The search for Ghana’s next beauty and purpose-driven ambassador kicks off Saturday, June 27, 2026, as auditions open for the historic 69th edition of Miss Ghana.
Aspiring contestants will converge at Oak Plaza Hotel, East Airport, Spintex Road, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The event will bring together young women from across the country ready to represent their regions and compete for the ultimate crown.
Organized by Exclusive Events Ghana, the pageant continues its mission to identify women who embody beauty, intelligence, leadership, discipline, and passion for community service.
The eventual winner will represent Ghana at the Miss World pageant and lead charitable projects through the Miss Ghana Foundation.
This year’s edition carries the theme “Empowering Women, Enduring Legacy”, celebrating 69 years of promoting purpose-driven leadership, cultural pride, and female empowerment.
Speaking ahead of the auditions, Inna Patty, CEO of Exclusive Events Ghana, said “For nearly seven decades, Miss Ghana has empowered young women to inspire change, celebrate culture, and represent the pride of Ghana to the world. Now, a new chapter begins. The countdown to Miss Ghana @69 is on.”
To qualify, applicants must be between 18 and 26 years old, be confident, morally upright, community-minded, and able to serve as a Ghana ambassador locally and internationally
The judges will also consider the communication skills, confidence, creativity, and personality of applicants.
Aspiring queens will have the opportunity to showcase unique talents like singing, dancing, spoken word, rap, or other creative expressions while engaging judges on national development issues.
Prospective queens are to download application forms and view full entry requirements on the Miss Ghana website.
Miss Ghana 2026 is powered by Exclusive Events Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
