The Scissors Aren’t Enough: Why Ghana’s Fashion Students Need More Than Just Traditional Tools

The recent viral moment of a Keta Senior High Technical School student whose self-designed dress rivaled MET Gala creations has put a spotlight on Ghana’s fashion education system. Alfred Selorm Betepe, founder and R&D lead at Seloart Group, didn’t mince words: “Our students have the talent, but they’re still cutting patterns with scissors while the world moves to digital design.” This isn’t just about one student’s impressive creation—it’s about a systemic issue in Ghana’s fashion education that’s leaving raw talent underdeveloped.

The Digital Divide in Fashion Education

Ghana’s fashion students are stuck in a time warp. While global fashion houses use advanced software like Adobe Illustrator, CLO 3D, and Gerber Accumark, many Ghanaian institutions still rely on manual drafting and cutting techniques. Betepe points out that this isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s a competitive disadvantage. “When our graduates enter the industry, they’re already behind,” he says. “Brands expect digital proficiency, and we’re sending them in with hand-drawn sketches and fabric swatches.”

The problem isn’t just about software. It’s about infrastructure. Many vocational schools lack computers, stable internet, or even basic sewing machines that integrate with digital design tools. A 2022 study on vocational training in the Volta Region found that only 32% of fashion programs had access to digital design software, and fewer than 20% had instructors trained to teach it. “We can’t expect students to innovate if we don’t give them the tools to do so,” says Betepe.

The Curriculum Crisis: Tradition vs. Innovation

The disconnect isn’t just technological—it’s curricular. While there’s growing appreciation for integrating Ghanaian traditional costumes into modern design, the education system often fails to bridge the gap between cultural heritage and commercial viability. Research shows that while 87% of fashion lecturers and students value traditional techniques, only 45% feel confident applying them in a digital context. “We’re teaching students to appreciate Adinkra symbols, but not how to turn them into sellable designs using software,” says a lecturer from Kumasi Technical University.

The current system also overlooks critical skills like e-commerce, digital marketing, and sustainable fashion practices—areas where digital tools are non-negotiable. “A designer today needs to know how to create a digital portfolio, use social media algorithms, and even 3D print prototypes,” says Betepe. “Our curriculum is stuck in the 1990s.”

The Broader Economic and Cultural Stakes

This isn’t just about fashion—it’s about Ghana’s economic future. The creative industry contributes over $1.5 billion annually to Ghana’s GDP, and fashion is a major player. Yet, without investment in modern education, the country risks falling behind in a global market where digital fluency is the norm. “We’re sitting on a goldmine of talent, but we’re not equipping them to mine it,” says Betepe.

The recent appointment of Aurelia Baaba Ofori Odame as Executive Head of Afro-Asia Trade and State-Owned Enterprises at GCB Bank signals a push for economic diversification. But fashion, a sector ripe for growth, remains underfunded in education. Meanwhile, initiatives like the government’s push for STEM education for young women highlight a recognition of technology’s role in future careers—but fashion is often left out of the conversation.

The Path Forward: Collaboration and Investment

Fixing this requires more than just throwing software at the problem. It demands a holistic approach:

A Call to Action

The story of the Keta student isn’t just a feel-good moment—it’s a wake-up call. Ghana’s fashion students are capable of competing on the global stage, but they need more than just scissors and fabric. They need access to technology, modern education, and industry support. As Betepe puts it, “We’re not asking for a handout. We’re asking for a chance to compete. And that starts with giving our students the tools they need to succeed.”

The time to act is now. The world is watching—and Ghana’s fashion students are ready to show what they can do. But they can’t do it alone.