Entertainment critic and journalist with the Multi-media Group, Kwame Dadzie has questioned President John Dramani Mahama’s absence from the Presidential Runway fashion show organised under the Black Star Experience initiative at the Royal Senchi Hotel in Akosombo.
In a post commenting on the event, Dadzie said the President’s absence was disappointing, particularly because he had personally promised to participate in the fashion show when the Black Star Experience was launched on May 1, 2025.
According to him, one of the highlights of the launch was President Mahama’s pledge to grace the runway at a fashion event the initiative’s secretariat was expected to organise in July 2025.
Although the event did not take place as scheduled last year, Dadzie said its eventual announcement for November this year was accompanied by publicity indicating that the President would participate in the fashion show in Akosombo.
He acknowledged that President Mahama had a demanding schedule in the days leading up to the event and several engagements on the day itself. However, he argued that the President should have made an effort to honour his commitment.
Dadzie noted that the event was not only linked to a promise the President had made but had also been named the “Presidential Runway” in his honour.
He argued that the President could have delegated some of his other engagements to make room for the fashion show.
“This was the maiden edition of an initiative he personally launched, one that has been groping for its bearing since it was launched. His presence would have sent a strong message of commitment and given the initiative the visibility and credibility it needs,” he said.
The entertainment critic further warned that the President’s absence could undermine confidence in the Black Star Experience, which was introduced as an important part of Ghana’s cultural and creative arts agenda.
Addressing the President directly, Dadzie said the absence did not reflect well on the initiative and raised questions about the government’s commitment to its success.
“Dear President John Dramani Mahama, your absence from the event does not bode well for the Black Star Experience. It raises questions about the level of commitment to an initiative that was presented as an important part of Ghana’s cultural and creative arts agenda,” he wrote.
The Black Star Experience was launched on May 1, 2025, as an initiative intended to promote Ghana’s culture, tourism and creative arts to both local and international audiences.
By Gifty Boateng