Give attention to young fashion designers —Jeremiah Lartey

FOUNDER of Jerry Afrik, a fashion brand, Jeremiah Lartey discloses even though Ghana’s fashion industry keeps scoring high marks, the sector has still not attracted the needed attention from government.

This is because to him, players in the sector were treated as orphans while other branches of the creative industry, particularly music and film enjoy ‘privileged’ attention from those in power.        

He said the situation was a poor motivation to young fashion designers who were working hard to find their feet in an industry clothed with challenges.

“The fashion industry is treated like an island in the creative industry. We barely get mention when the welfare of the creative industry is in focus. Unlike the other sectors like music and film which have organised groupings to lead negotiations for them, the fashion industry can’t boast of same.

“This is taking a toll on young fashion designers like myself who don’t have any means to channel our challenges and get the necessary help. That is why I’m calling for attention to those of us who are working hard yet yield little returns,” he stated.

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Jeremiah Lartey established Jerry Afrik located in Gbawe in 2016 and specialises in menswear.

His works have earned him a number of nominations of some awards  schemes including winning Discovery Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2017 Young Entrepreneur Awards.

In October last year, he also picked the Discovery Entrepreneur of the Year (Male Category) award at the Global Business and Entrepreneurship Summit and Awards held at the La Palm Royal Beach hotel.

Some of the people Jeremiah has dressed include Mr. Kwesi Asempa of Onua TV and Kleff Maxwell Justice of Joy Prime TV.

He told Graphic Showbiz recently he is looking forward to creating a unique brand that will appeal to his clients including a number of popular figures such as comedians Lekzy Decomic and OB Amponsah.