The University of Ghana campus came alive on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, as management, students, faculty, and staff adorned themselves in attire showcasing the university’s colors and logos to celebrate Wear UG Day 2024. This annual event, established during the UG@75 Anniversary celebrations, aims to foster institutional pride, unity, and a celebration of the rich legacy of Ghana’s premier university.
Themed “Wear UG, Wear Ghana: Sustainable Youth Entrepreneurship in Fashion,” the event blended cultural pride with student innovation, featuring a panel discussion and a captivating fashion show as its highlights.
Dignitaries in attendance included Professor Gordon A. Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana; Professor Rosina Kyerematen, Dean of Student Affairs; Mrs. Emilia Agyei Mensah, Registrar of the University of Ghana; along with directors, provosts, deans, heads of departments, alumni, staff, and students. The occasion offered a platform to reflect on the university’s legacy while promoting sustainable fashion and encouraging youth entrepreneurship.
In her opening remarks, Registrar Emelia Agyei Mensah underscored the significance of the ceremony and elaborated on the activities endorsed by the Academic Board to mark the celebration.
“You may recall that during last year’s 75th Anniversary celebrations, the Vice-Chancellor announced the inaugural Wear UG Day, which was successfully held on October 11, 2023. Following its success, the Academic Board approved the institutionalization of Wear UG Day, to be observed annually on the second Wednesday of October.”
“On this day, members of the University community and its stakeholders are encouraged to wear UG-branded attire, share pictures and videos on social media, and participate in a panel discussion tackling relevant issues. This yearly forum aims to provide valuable insights into the University of Ghana’s role in academia and national development.”
During the panel discussion, Dr. Mercy Kumaa-Kpobee, a lecturer from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, emphasized the theme’s relevance. She noted that the fashion industry addresses basic human needs while creating substantial employment opportunities.
Adding to this, Ms. Erabna Adjimai, co-founder and CEO of Wear Ghana Limited, highlighted the cultural significance of African clothing.
“Clothing is a vehicle to address key aspects of the African experience. If I dress like a European every day and use products made by people who don’t look like me, I am indirectly distancing myself from my heritage.”
Musician and songwriter Kwame Nsiah-Apau, widely known as Okyeame Kwame, encouraged recycling waste materials into fashion products such as bed sheets, shoes, and straps. He emphasized inclusion and highlighted the significant role of women, describing them as pivotal to sustainable fashion initiatives.
The event’s highlight was a competitive fashion show featuring unique designs made from the UG@75 commemorative cloth. Participants displayed remarkable creativity and craftsmanship. Samuel Opoku of Formula Made emerged as the overall winner, while Emilia of Telio’s Clothing and Venice of Oligdiz Kutur secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively.
The Wear UG Day celebration concluded on a high note, leaving attendees inspired and looking forward to next year’s edition, slated for the second week of October 2025.
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Story by: Abdul Razak Wahab | universnews.ug.edu.gh
