Elikem’s Attempt To Take Credit For Inspiring Bondaana’s Mahama Inauguration Outfit Backfires; Ghanaians React

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President John Dramani Mahama’s outfit at his January 7, 2025, inauguration has become a celebrated moment in Ghanaian fashion history. Designed by Bondaana, the agbada-style attire featured intricate sleeve patterns and Adinkra symbols, blending tradition and elegance seamlessly. However, the joyous occasion took a controversial turn when designer Elikem Kumordzie claimed Bondaana’s creation was inspired by his own work from 2018. He took to social media and stated “I can understand why everyone thought I made @officialjdmahama outfit that day, my phone was going off 😂. Even with the adinkra symbols and all 🤔.
But no, it wasn’t me(in Shaggy’s voice), I’m just happy to have inspired 🙏🏼.”

Elikem, known for his bold and contemporary designs, pointed to the patterned sleeves and the use of Adinkra symbols as evidence of his influence. This sparked outrage among Ghanaians, who accused him of attempting to steal the spotlight from Bondaana. Many argued that the elements Elikem referenced are staples of Ghanaian traditional fashion and not unique to his work.

Bondaana, renowned for his innovative craftsmanship, has steadily risen in the fashion industry, with the inauguration outfit earning him global praise. Ghanaians took to social media to defend the designer, criticizing Elikem for his poorly timed comments. “This is Bondaana’s moment—let him shine,” one user remarked, while others called out the importance of celebrating collective cultural heritage instead of claiming individual ownership.

Elikem has yet to address the backlash, but Bondaana’s work continues to be celebrated as a testament to Ghanaian creativity and tradition. While the debate lingers, it is clear that President Mahama’s outfit has left an indelible mark on Ghana’s fashion landscape, reminding the world of the beauty and richness of its cultural heritage.

For Bondaana, the inauguration ensemble remains a career-defining achievement, representing the enduring power of Ghanaian artistry. See how the public reacted to Elikem’s comments below.

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