AUDIO: Nana Tamakloe Advocates Against Second-Hand Clothing on Sputnik Radio

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Nana Tamakloe, the visionary behind Accra Fashion Week and a passionate advocate for African fashion, recently appeared on Sputnik Radio to address the devastating impact of second-hand clothing imports on local economies and cultures. Tamakloe has been championing the fight against these imports since 2017, making him one of the first Ghanaians to actively pursue the end of second-hand clothing, a bold and progressive stance at the time.

During the discussion, Tamakloe highlighted how the influx of second-hand clothing—referred to as “obroni wawu” in Ghana and “okrika” in Nigeria—has undermined local textile industries, cultural heritage, and economic growth. Once-thriving industries producing iconic fabrics like Ghana’s Kente and Nigeria’s Aso Oke now struggle to compete against the flood of cheap imports from Europe and the United States, which are often marketed as charitable contributions but, in reality, disrupt local markets.

Tamkloe described the phenomenon as a remnant of colonial practices, stating, “It’s part of destabilizing the economy of Africa and African people. While the West stays consistent with new fashion, we’re subjected to their second-hand clothing, crippling our designers’ ability to compete with global brands like Gucci and Versace.”

The issue goes beyond economics, affecting cultural pride and the self-reliance of local creatives. Tamakloe’s ongoing advocacy has been instrumental in sparking conversations and actions to protect Africa’s textile and fashion industries. His relentless efforts underscore the need for infrastructure and policies that empower local designers and producers to thrive.

This is not the first time Nana Tamakloe has made waves in the industry. As the founder of Accra Fashion Week, he has continuously elevated African fashion and placed Ghana on the global fashion map, proving that local creativity can compete on the world stage if given the proper support. His fight against second-hand clothing is yet another step in his journey to protect and celebrate African ingenuity.

Through platforms like Sputnik Radio, Tamakloe’s voice amplifies the urgent call to action: to reclaim Africa’s fashion narrative and rebuild the textile industries that were once pillars of culture and economic prosperity.

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