Board of Fashion Ghana Space (BOFG Space)

The Board of Fashion Ghana was established in 2016, in recognition of the significant impact that fashion can have on Africa’s economy as a driver for job creation, trade, export and tourism. To harness the creative talent that abounds across Africa in fashion to help build create brands, products and businesses that are true to their origin yet relevant to the $3 trillion USD global Fashion market. The Organisation guides graduates and fashion professionals through design innovation, supply chain optimization, access to finance and business advisory, training, research, knowledge sharing, branding, promotion and market development. The special innovation of “The Board” is the creation of Ghana’s first “Fashion Space” which is to educate, manufacture, produce, the gradates work on a prestigious platform and offer national and international exposure, building their confidence through their brands. “The Space” is an extension that follows the model of inception, growth/sustainability of Fashion Education.

With the newfound Fashion Education in Ghana/West, what is the next stage of growth and development for the designers? How will the Graduates carve a career in an industry that is yet to create a pathway for their skills?

By creating an environment where Fashion Design Education/Business, can become part of the social, cultural and economic development of contemporary Ghana/West Africa.

Using case of the Fashion Design Graduate members of” The Board if Fashion Ghana”, this can act as the modal, a viable pedagogy for West Africa and the continent.

Creating the best route in the professional development of its graduates into the industry, through entrepreneurial small to medium scale businesses, or the restoration of historic textiles/garment companies.

The best practice infiltrate the economic development needed in Africa, by the use of fashion and textile industry.

The special innovation of “The Board” is the creation of Ghana’s first “Fashion Space” which is to educate, manufacture, produce, the gradates work at high standards and optimise on prestigious platform, offering national and international exposure, by elevating their work and building their confidence through their brands. 

The Board of Fashion Ghana will combine’s business with a social dimension through an extended business partnership infrastructure. Micro producers from disadvantaged communities in Ghana are guided and empowered to produce to international standards and to participate in the international value chain, by working with raw material suppliers such as cotton growers and artisans in textile production. By building a creative and entrepreneurial class of African producers, who will appeal to a wider global consumer base, operationalising on their niche.

Women are expected to benefit the most as their share in the total apparel employment is much higher than their share in other industries. A one percent increase in expected wages in the textiles and apparel industry could raise the probability of women entering the labour force by 18.9 percent.

"The Space" will support the designer from the development of designs, to sampling and production. To educate and expose through workshops from industry professionals/practice-based learning to grow their brands.

• A place where Graduates, Artisans, Entrepreneurs can have access to equipment and cutting -edge technology, workspace and training for their fashion business. Including access generator for power outages for deadlines.
• A business education centre for, fashion graduates, Artisans fashion start-ups and entrepreneurs, for valuable business training to help the local economy, through guest speakers, workshops.
•A Sustainable lab space were fashion graduates, entrepreneurs/artisans can learn, and integrate sustainable concepts into collections at the beginning of the manufacturing cycle.
•A gathering place for the Fashion, Artistic community, for support, advice and production.
•Eventually to create a self-sufficient "Project Studio" which will serve international clients, creating samples using indigenous fabrics, generating funds for BOFG.
Outreach opportunity to the three communities for social inclusion and shared prosperity. The online business, technology and educational training resources, will develop through our expanded outreach. The digital data resource base to develop to help Designers find sustainable solutions for their business, exposing them to solutions such as Higg Index and also provide information on international export policies and laws, acting as reference support for digital business centre, online/onsite classes and workshops.
 
The LGBTQ community in Ghana often have to conceal their sexuality due to fear of acceptance and intimidation, according to Human Rights Watch stigma associated with homosexuality; the fear of violence perpetrated by family, and homelessness, should their sexual orientation be disclosed. Despite, the official Mission of Ghana to the United Nations in Geneva, affirming Ghanaian law prohibits persecution and violence based on sexuality in 2016. BOFG plans to operate community outreach and partnership with the LGBTQ community online workshops/training courses.

(i) Outreach to rural indigenous artisan in economically depressed communities, producing traditional textiles, offering business training courses/workshops to scale up their enterprise. Offering the opportunity to in “Project Studio” working with external partners and stakeholders in the fashion industry. With business /design mentorship program and basic digital literacy. Transportation is offered quarterly for access to “The Space”.

 (ii) Outreach to design professionals outside fashion communities offering business training facing financial barriers. With the opportunity for partnership providing services for designers.

(iii)Female Entrepreneurs promoting gender equality and dedicated activity to encourage women to use the facilities.

The “Fashion Space” will be a unique opportunity for graduates and the artisan community to have access to a workspace, equipment and cutting-edge technology and training for their fashion business. Providing a business education center for, fashion graduates, Artisans, fashion start-up’s and entrepreneurs, where they can receive valuable business training help the local economy, through guest speakers, workshops.   

Sustainable lab space were fashion graduates, entrepreneurs and artisans can learn about sustainability and integrate sustainable concepts into their collections at the beginning of the manufacturing cycle.

This will be a self-sufficient project studio, which will serve international clients, creating samples using fabrics designed produced in Ghana, that will generate funds to help run the space. 

Cutting-edge technology center for fashion Designers also providing digital literacy for artisan’s Micro producers from disadvantaged communities in Ghana, with facilities and support to produce their work

A gathering place for the Artists and Fashion community in Ghana to be educated, create and produce.

An Ecommerce application for sorting and pricing material such as fabric, fastenings will be built to the specification of start-up design business, to help grow and support new business. By the use of mobile App Technology to bring producers/traders to a single market place, to sell their fabrics/trimmings to designers/arcticians. Maps will also be a useful feature of the App, that will direct consumers to the suppliers and producers, based on advertised prices. The initial investment in this application can become sustainable from business advertisements and endorsements over time.

The designers and artisans will have access to the technologically advanced machinery for producing garments, to compete in today’s market of fast moving, high quality fashion.

From Fabric inspection machine to the new hi-tech 3D machine, viewed on apple macs, trained to facilitate and utilize, in order to optimize on design and retail value. 

In the tropical environment of a developing country an advanced generator, water pump, with a moister check for the industrial machines are all features of advancement, that will save time and ensure production is both efficient and of high quality.

Cinematic Overhead projectors will allow group meetings and workshops with professionals from all over the world. With access to the Internet and an office space proving minimum of fifty computers, to allow practical work possible during the workshops and seminars. 

Fulfilling the basic necessities like a workspace, equipment, business education and access to technology, to become a competitive force on the global market place.

The new Fashion Design degree courses have created a problem, flooding the industry with graduates every year, with no career pathways or formal structure.

The social dimension through extended business partnership infrastructure. Micro producers from disadvantaged communities are guided and empowered to produce, the international standard, to participate in international value chain, by working with raw material suppliers such as cotton growers and artisans in textile. This involvement will spread to other areas of fashion and garment manufacturing.
The potential gains in exports and jobs, and identifying policies that can unleash export South Asia's, job potential compared with those of their closest competitors in the Southeast Asia region, (Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia), can also occur in Africa; taking shape in Morocco, Egypt, Kenya and South Africa.
 As wages increase, China, the largest apparel manufacturer for the last 10 years, is expected to slowly relinquish its leadership position in the global apparel market, opening the door to other competitors such as Africa. A huge opportunity for the continent, and other South Asian countries. Even a 10 percent increase in Chinese apparel prices could create at least 1.2 million new jobs in the Indian apparel industry alone, the report estimates.
Women are expected to benefit the most, as their share in the total apparel employment is much higher than in other industries. A one percent increase in expected wages in the textiles and apparel industry could raise the probability of women entering the labour force by 18.9 percent.

This very optimistic view of the garment industry, and opens international trade links further, in the area of manufacturing and mass production. If established factories such as Nana Manyin’s (a Graduates of Fashion) in Accra, can position her the production, on quality and delivery, it can then stand to be one of the leading establishments. In 2015 she was commissioned to mass produce T-shirts for US export, for which she needed more investment for special machinery, that the Board should support, had it been financially capable and had “The Space”.

The creation of Ghana’s first “Fashion Space” which is to educate, manufacture, produce, the graduates work on a prestigious platform and offer national and international exposure, by elevating their work and building their confidence through their brands.

The Fashion Space anticipate to support 1,000 graduates members in the first year and by year five have 5,000 members.

Year 1:

• Fashion Space: Anticipate 1,000 graduates member’s fee of $100 a month. Revenue: 1,200,000
• Project studio: work on 1-2 projects.
Revenue $10,000
Photo Graphic studio.
• Two highly publiop-up shops.
Revenue: $30,000  
Year 2:
Fashion Space: Anticipate 2,000 fee of $100
Revenue: 2,400,000
• Project studio: work on 2-4 projects
Revenue $20,000
Lease Photo graphic studio
• Two highly publicized annual pop-up shop taking 10% commission on sales.
Revenue: Estimate
• Start sustainability, business and technology classes fee to non-members.
Revenue: $10,000
• Set up online store, -10% commission.
Revenue: $30,000  
Year 3
• Fashion Space: Anticipate 3,000 fee of $100
Revenue: 3,6000,000
• Project studio: work on 1-2 projects.
Revenue $30,000
Lease Photo graphic studio
Revenue: Estimate
• Two highly publicized annual pop-up shops, 10 % commission on sale.
Revenue: $20,000
• Sustainability, business/technology classes.
Revenue: $10,000
• Set up online Fashion Space store, 10% commission.
Revenue: $10,000    
Year 4:
• Fashion Space: Anticipate 4,000: fee of $100
Revenue: $10,000
• Project studio: work on 1-2 projects.
Revenue $45,000
Lease Photo graphic studio.
Revenue: $10,000
• Two highly publicized annual pop-up shop 10 % commission on sales.
Revenue: $30,000
• Start sustainability, business/technology class.
Revenue: $20,000
• Set up online sales10% commission.
Revenue: $20,000
Year 5:
• Fashion Space: Anticipate 5,000: fee of $100
Revenue: $6,000,000
• Project studio: work on 1-2 projects.
Revenue $45,000-55,000
Lease Photo graphic studio
Revenue: $20,000
• Two highly publicized annual pop-up shops 10% commission

 The next stage of growth and development for the newly established fashion designers in Ghana; is to have the support of an organisation such as The Board of Fashion.

Fashion Design Education/Business in Ghana, has challenges becoming part of the social, cultural and economic development of contemporary Ghana/West Africa.The new degree courses has created a population of professional that industry can not support or employ. Although the Board has been operating since 2016, with limited facilities to support.

In order to reach a larger number of designers, funding for an official Space for the Board, and equipment is needed to facility all the structures needed for growth in the businesses of all its members.

Many fashion graduates unable to carve a career in an industry that is yet to create a pathway for their skills. Currently, there is no support system place in Ghana to help fashion graduates or artisans acquire basic necessities like a workspace, equipment, business education and access to technology, so they can be a competitive force on the global stage. The lack of financial security prevents the professional development of its graduates into the industry through entrepreneurial small or medium scale businesses models.

By the creation of Ghana’s first “Fashion Space” which is to educate, manufacture, produce, the graduates work on a prestigious platform and offer national and international exposure, by elevating their work and building their confidence through their brands. 

While some financial aid is open to fashion designers in all parts of the continent of Africa, currently there are no organizations in Ghana supporting fashion graduates or providing, workspace, business, and sustainable education and free access to technology. 

  The “Fashion Space” will be a unique opportunity for graduates and the artisan community to have access to a workspace, equipment and cutting-edge technology and training for their fashion business. It will provide:

• Business education center for, fashion graduates, Artisans, fashion start-up’s and entrepreneurs, where they can receive valuable business training help the local economy, through guest speakers, workshops. 

• Sustainable lab space were fashion graduates, entrepreneurs and artisans can learn about sustainability and integrate sustainable concepts into their collects at the beginning of the manufacturing cycle.

•A self-sufficient project studio which will serve international clients, creating samples using fabrics designed produced in Ghana, that will generate funds to help run the space.

• Cutting-edge technology center for fashion Designers also providing digital literacy for artisan’s Micro producers from disadvantaged communities in Ghana.

• A gathering place for the Fashion community in Ghana.

No other Organization.

All the Board advisors and directors work on a volunteer basis and contribute financially to all activities and events.  

Director; Founder/Vision; Leadership:

Part time
Company secretary; Advisor/ IT Support:
Part time

Board member Graphic Advisor:
Part time

Board Member; Branding Advise: 

Part time

Board Member; Legal Advise:

Part time

Administrator; Part Time:

Part time

The Director/Founder recognized that their was a problem, due to her work in Fashion Education. The constant request for help and support, confirmed that the need for such an organization as The Board is a necessity.

Members of the Board and advisors shear the vision and have dedicated their time and resources in supporting the vision.

The Members and advisors bring along with them the various professions that allow the Board to seek professional advise at minimal costs. From legal to IT support for the Board as well as the graduates members.

Director; Fashion Education:

Company secretary; IT Developer

Board Member Graphic Designer

Board Member; Branding Professional

Board Member; Lawyer:

Administrator; Fashion Graduate

No other Organization.

The Board of Fashion Space will be a one-stop online resource with a dedicated team of mentors and industry experts to ensure users receive a unique and comprehensive insight into the world of fashion, manufacturing and business. Providing a wealth of information comprises of the following; Sampling & Production, Business Support, Training, Events and Masterclasses, News and a Members Area

To empower individuals to get ahead in their fashion career, with membership service of $100 a month with a projection of 1000 members joining each year, structured to encourage new business start-ups and established designers with a cross-section of support from industry experts. From mentoring to discounted rates on sampling/production to essential ‘Tools of the Trade’ documents and business planning.

“BOFG Space” offers high-quality pattern making, sampling and production for all sizes of orders. The Space will have the capacity to produce one unit up to 10,000 garments a week using one of its three planned production methods; the Fashion Studio producing 1 to 49 garments, the Couturier 50 – 499 garments and the core Factory 500 plus (minimum order size is 500 garments per style). Production is ethically and sustainably produced and is SMETA and Fast Forward approved. With clients ranging from start-up to small to medium brands. With the capability for designers to earn 50% on any order of $8,000. The Stitching Academy and Pattern Cutting course are offered within production 'Fabrics', 'Machine Engineering' and 'Quality Control' in Diploma and Foundation Levels.

Year 1:

• Fashion Space: Anticipate 1,000 number of graduates and members of Ghana fashion board signing up to use the space, paying a member’s fee of $100 a month

Revenue: 1,200,000

• Project studio: work on 1-2 projects with Creative Capital Design in the US and other Businesses.

Revenue $10,000

Lease Photo graphic studio and equipment to local Business

• Two highly publicized annual pop-up shops featuring clothing from the designers using the space, the Fashion space taking 10 % commission on sales.

Revenue: $30,000

Solve has the portfolio of different problems all over the world that have been resolved by individuals such as the members of the Board of Fashion Ghana.

While some financial aid is open to fashion designers in all parts of the continent of Africa, currently there are no organizations in Ghana supporting fashion graduates or providing, workspace, business, and sustainable education and free access to technology.

The creation of Ghana’s first “Fashion Space” which is to educate, manufacture, produce, the graduates work on a prestigious platform and offer national and international exposure, by elevating their work and building their confidence through their brands.

"The Space" offers "Sovle" a real opportunity to be part of an exciting industry that is in its infancy in Ghana. With the support and funding to set up the organization, it has the potential to become a beacon in Africa, and to your organisatioin.

Other not selected.

The Board of Fashion Ghana has the potential and would like to attract potential partners from;

•  Potential to attract partners which may include Ghanaian designers, members of the press, Government representatives, The United Nations, and The World Trade Organization, NGO’s and other international organizations.

• Profitable business partnerships and projects with fashion consultants and companies in the US, Europe, and Asia, which can help The Space become financially sustainable.

• To support constant supply of graduates and artisans who will benefit from the creation of the Fashion Space.

Women are marginalized in business in Ghana, as the majority of members on the Board are female, the organisation will promote women in business special initiatives that will help designers and artisans, to give access to business training. The female graduate population on the Board is 75%, and have the ability to create the best brands in the world, with the support of that the Space will provide.

AI on our online platform will help the designers in creating future collection, as well as reducing waste in terms of stock. The shopping habits of the local and international community will be a valuable backend addition on the online shop.

Africans are among the biggest users of mobile phones, and as such the AI is extensive and invaluable to the retail market. All within the capabilities of Data protection laws, allowing the organisation access to consumer shopping habits.

• Actively Seek out female entrepreneurs who would like work in fashion.  

• Education initiatives that make girls aware at high school level that there is an option in the Fashion industry in terms of a business career. Workshops, field visits from schools to the space.  

•Scholarships to use the Space's business training for women artisans using indigenous crafts.  

 • Fashion technology-focused projects with partners to advance the needs of women and girls in Ghana.

“The BOFG Space” is addressing a fundamental need in the Fashion Community in Ghana and west Africa. By providing the designers with the support needed to expand in their businesses, they in return have a huge opportunity to then employ hundreds of people within the development of their items as well as in manufacture.  

•Technology centre for fashion, where the fashion community can research sustainable solution for the fashion industry using technology.  

• Building a digital business training platform so designers and artisans can be competitive in African Fashion industry.  

• Collaboration with local educational institutions, business and governmental agencies on innovative ways to expand Ghana’s Fashion industry sustainably using technology.

Women are marginalized in business in Ghana, as the majority of members on the Board are female, the organisation will promote women in business special initiatives that will help designers and artisans, to give access to business training. The female graduate population on the Board is 75%, and have the ability to create the best brands in the world, with the support of that the Space will provide.

AI on our online platform will help the designers in creating future collection, as well as reducing waste in terms of stock. The shopping habits of the local and international community will be a valuable backend addition on the online shop.

Africans are among the biggest users of mobile phones, and as such the AI is extensive and invaluable to the retail market. All within the capabilities of Data protection laws, allowing the organisation access to consumer shopping habits.

• Actively Seek out female entrepreneurs who would like work in fashion.  

• Education initiatives that make girls aware at high school level that there is an option in the Fashion industry in terms of a business career. Workshops, field visits from schools to the space.  

•Scholarships to use the Space's business training for women artisans using indigenous crafts.  

 • Fashion technology-focused projects with partners to advance the needs of women and girls in Ghana.

The Board of Fashion Ghana has the potential and would like to attract potential partners from;

•  Potential to attract partners which may include Ghanaian designers, members of the press, Government representatives, The United Nations, and The World Trade Organization, NGO’s and other international organizations.

• Profitable business partnerships and projects with fashion consultants and companies in the US, Europe, and Asia, which can help The Space become financially sustainable.

• To support constant supply of graduates and artisans who will benefit from the creation of the Fashion Space.

The Board of Fashion Ghana has the potential and would like to attract potential partners from;

•  Potential to attract partners which may include Ghanaian designers, members of the press, Government representatives, The United Nations, and The World Trade Organization, NGO’s and other international organizations.

• Profitable business partnerships and projects with fashion consultants and companies in the US, Europe, and Asia, which can help The Space become financially sustainable.

• To support constant supply of graduates and artisans who will benefit from the creation of the Fashion Space.

“The BOFG Space” is addressing a fundamental need in the Fashion Community in Ghana and west Africa. By providing the designers with the support needed to expand in their businesses, they in return have a huge opportunity to then employ hundreds of people within the development of their items as well as in manufacture.  

•Technology centre for fashion, where the fashion community can research sustainable solution for the fashion industry using technology.  

• Building a digital business training platform so designers and artisans can be competitive in African Fashion industry.  

• Collaboration with local educational institutions, business and governmental agencies on innovative ways to expand Ghana’s Fashion industry sustainably using technology.

The Board of Fashion Ghana has the potential and would like to attract potential partners from;

•  Potential to attract partners which may include Ghanaian designers, members of the press, Government representatives, The United Nations, and The World Trade Organization, NGO’s and other international organizations.

• Profitable business partnerships and projects with fashion consultants and companies in the US, Europe, and Asia, which can help The Space become financially sustainable.

• To support constant supply of graduates and artisans who will benefit from the creation of the Fashion Space.