streetwear in ghana

In the landscape of African fashion, Ghana stands out as a hub of creativity and innovation. Much like Nigeria’s Street Souk – the largest streetwear convention on the continent, Ghana’s streetwear scene is gaining the attention of fashion enthusiasts globally. Spearheaded by a new generation of designers, it’s a testament to the power of youth culture and creative expression.

Inspired by the DIY ethos of hip-hop culture, underground music and the skateboarding and surf scene. Ghanaian streetwear blends Western influences with local styles to communicate the lived realities of its youth. From vibrant prints to intricate detailing, it celebrates the country’s rich cultural heritage while embracing contemporary design aesthetics.

At the forefront are homegrown brands that embody the spirit of innovation and self-expression. From Free The Youth’s commitment to social activism, to Subwae’s architecture-inspired designs. Each brand offers a unique perspective on Ghanaian identity. 

As this scene continues to grow and develop, here are six brands to watch:

Free The Youth is a collective of young creatives determined to empower Ghanaian and African youth to connect with art scenes worldwide through street-style fashion and culture. Founded as a social media-based street-style blog, it has now evolved into a multi-branched collective featuring a fashion brand, creative agency and NGO. Their apparel is known for its bold designs and thought-provoking messaging centred around liberation and social change. Over the past few years, the brand has seen a number of successful collaborations with brands such as Daily Paper, Nike and features in Vogue and GQ.

Watch our interview brand co-founder Joey Lit

Blurring the lines between art and fashion, Subwae is a sustainable concept brand founded by Christopher Akpo in 2018. Drawing inspiration from architecture, art and Ghanaian landscape, the brand describes its aesthetic as continuously evolving visual social commentary. With sustainability at the heart of their ethos, the brand prioritises using sustainable materials and working collaboratively with local artisans in Accra.

Founded by British-Ghanaian creative director, Kusi Kubi, this brand bridges London’s fashion scene and the vibrant markets of Accra. Each piece begins by Kusi Kubi and his team scouring Kantamanto Market (the largest second-hand clothing market in West Africa) to source clothes and materials, which are then reimagined into unique, genderless pieces that sit at the intersection of everyday comfort and grandeur. Gold and leather are central themes in all the designs, honouring Kubi’s Ashanti heritage. From bold graphic tees to intricately embroidered jackets, Palmwine Icecream celebrates the diversity and richness of Ghanaian heritage.

Complex Department is a high-end streetwear label that is entirely sourced and produced in Ghana. It draws inspiration from the emerging youth culture, contemporary art, and craftsmanship. The brand’s collections showcase vibrant colors, cultural monograms, and bold graphics in relaxed, oversized, and tailored statement pieces. Additionally, the brand has recently launched the Complex Academy program, which is aimed at developing the entrepreneurial skills of young Ghanaian creatives navigating the creative industry.

Common FTR is a rapidly emerging streetwear brand based in Accra. The brand’s founder and creative director, Omimi Okere, emphasises that Common FTR embodies the essence of youth culture, which is defined by an unapologetic pursuit of dreams, boundless energy, and an unwavering desire to make a difference. The brand’s latest collection is inspired by the bustling streets of modern African cities and the fearless young people that inhabit them.

Founded by visual artist Kojo Kusi, StudioKojiKusi sits at the intersection of graphic art and fashion. Its designs often feature structured tailoring, bright colours, printing techniques, and intricate patchwork. With a commitment to unfiltered personal expression, this brand is gaining worldwide attention with recent features in Vogue, Nataal, and GUAP.

As the streetwear scene in Africa continues to develop and capture a global audience, one country that stands out is Ghana. Its young and talented fashion designers are redefining the boundaries of fashion, reclaiming their cultural identity and are fearless in the pursuit of their dreams.