The Northern Ghana Fashion Awards 2024 made a memorable mark on the region’s fashion scene with a stunning awards night that celebrated fashion, culture, and community.
Held at the GNAT Hall in Tamale, the event attracted fashion enthusiasts, designers, and prominent figures from across the northern regions, bringing together creativity and cultural heritage under one roof.
The night reached its peak when Naa Bawa Ziblila was crowned the Overall Fashion Icon of the Year, an accolade recognizing his outstanding contributions to fashion in the region.
The Launch of the Northern Ghana Fashion Awards 2024
The 2024 edition of the Northern Ghana Fashion Awards was launched with the theme, “The Role of the Northern Fashion Industry in Promoting Tourism, Unity, and Cultural Diversity – A Panacea for a Peaceful Election 2024.”
The awards aimed to showcase the importance of fashion as a tool for social cohesion and cultural promotion, with a particular focus on highlighting Northern Ghana’s potential as a distinctive fashion destination.
Organized by AkwaabaGH.Com Enterprise in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority, the event underscored the role of fashion in fostering unity and cultural identity.
The ceremony began with a vibrant display of Northern culture, featuring traditional music, dance, and runway exhibitions. Designers presented a range of collections, from modern couture infused with local fabrics to traditional ensembles that celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the region. The fashion show paid homage to indigenous textiles such as smock (fugu) and batakari, elevating their status within contemporary fashion trends.
Naa Bawa Ziblila’s Path to Becoming a Fashion Icon
Naa Bawa Ziblila, born in 1987 in Tarikpaa, Savelugu municipality, has an inspiring background that blends education, leadership, and cultural advocacy. His educational journey began at Tarikpaa Primary School, followed by Bawa Barracks JHS, where he completed his BECE in 2007. He then pursued Business studies at Tamale Senior High School (Tamasco), where he demonstrated his leadership skills as DASA Secretary, DASA Chief, and Entertainment Prefect.
He continued his education at Tamale Polytechnic (now Tamale Technical University), where he earned an HND in Accountancy. There, he served as DASA Deputy Secretary and later ascended to the position of DASA Chief. After graduation, Naa Bawa embarked on a professional career with MTN Ghana, where he now holds the position of Acting Territory Controller for the Northern Corridor.
Beyond his professional achievements, Naa Bawa is a prominent figure in cultural and youth initiatives. In 2018, he was appointed as the Regional DASA Chief following the passing of the previous chief, and he has maintained this role ever since. He also leads the Regional DASA Cultural Troupe, formed in 2019, and serves as Deputy National Organizer for the Dagbon Youth Association (DAYA). His dedication to continuous growth led him to pursue a BSc in Accounting with Computing at Kumasi Technical University in 2020.
The Awards Night at GNAT Hall, Tamale
The GNAT Hall in Tamale came alive with excitement and anticipation as the fashion community gathered to celebrate excellence. The highlight of the night was the announcement of the Overall Fashion Icon of the Year. Naa Bawa Ziblila’s name resonated throughout the hall as he was declared the winner, receiving a standing ovation from attendees. His style, characterized by a blend of traditional and modern influences, has distinguished him as a leader in the fashion scene.
In his acceptance speech, Naa Bawa expressed his gratitude to the organizers and supporters who believed in his vision. He dedicated the award to his community and emphasized the importance of cultural preservation through fashion. His win not only celebrates his personal achievements but also shines a spotlight on the Northern fashion industry as a significant contributor to Ghana’s cultural landscape.
Impact on the Northern Fashion Industry
Naa Bawa Ziblila’s recognition as the Overall Fashion Icon at the 2024 Northern Ghana Fashion Awards symbolizes the growth and potential of the fashion industry in the region. His journey reflects the power of blending traditional values with contemporary trends, serving as an inspiration to aspiring fashion enthusiasts. The award also aligns with the event’s broader goals of promoting tourism and cultural diversity, especially in an election year when unity is paramount.
The Northern Ghana Fashion Awards have set a new standard for recognizing talent and fostering cultural appreciation. Naa Bawa’s accolade as the Overall Fashion Icon signifies a step forward for the fashion industry, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Northern Ghana and its capacity to influence the wider fashion narrative.
