Modelling needs to be lucrative

Although our entertainment and creative arts industry has made some strides in gaining recognition and by extension becoming financially rewarding, it appears the modelling section of  the fashion industry has been left out of the evolution. 

There are a few fashion houses and institutions trying to keep the industry alive but as commendable as their efforts might be, it is sadly not nearly enough. 

In effect, very few Ghanaian models are able to pursue their passion as a full time occupation and those who do, are mainly based in countries with more developed industries. To add to the confusion, two bodies, the Models Union of Ghana and the Models Association of Ghana, both purport to seek the interest of models in Ghana. 

The fashion industry cannot be ignored any longer but for the industry to develop, we have to overhaul the institution from the ground up. As we speak, most of our models are ignorant about the very basic of their profession. The industry has no standards to the point where most models have no idea about the categories within which they fall. 

Even more troubling is the fact that most modelling houses do not pay their models and some of those who use the services of models pay pittance while others refuse to pay them and walk away free because there are no strong institutions to compel them to do otherwise. 

What we need is a unified front which will advocate for the right of our models. 

We at Showbiz would like to call on the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts to get involved  in the growth of the modelling sector  rather than just wait and come on-board only when others have done the difficult part of the job. 

We understand that the ministry is limited in what it can do. However, even by partnering with institutions and lending their name and presence to these fashion events, they can help boost their profile, increase patronage and help grow  the industry.