From Accra to Windhoek: Ghanaian Glamour in Namibia

As you move past the festive flurry of local curio gifts stacked on tables and hand-made souvenirs being sold at the Namibia Craft Centre, a single flight of steel stairs leads you to a room where the entrance is flanked by brightly coloured fabrics mounted on the wall. A touch of West Africa in the heart of the capital city, where a vibrant and kaleidoscopic ensemble of Ghanaian commodities is showcased.

I am warmly welcomed by Leenah, brand ambassador and saleswoman. Originally from Ghana, Leenah has lived in Namibia for the past 25 years. Despite settling in Namibia with her family at the age of five, she remains tethered to her Ghanaian heritage, especially to the rich fashion industry of her homeland. Leenah’s mother and brother regularly travel to Ghana’s capital, Accra, where they purchase fabrics and apparel. It is a collective family effort and a celebration of Ghana woven through the lives of the pan-African diaspora in Namibia.

As she shows me around, I am immediately struck by the vivid motifs adorning the room. Draped gracefully over mannequins, the garments look (and feel!) anything but garish or synthetic; unlike the cheaper, near-identical, mass-produced fabrics which have flooded the market in recent years.

Perhaps the most popular fabric from Ghana sold worldwide, kente is a multi-coloured, threaded textile which derives its name from the Akan word for basket because of the basketlike weaving pattern. It is also called nwentoma (meaning “woven cloth”) in Twi and kete in Ewe. Kente is made by sewing together handwoven cloth strips of silk and cotton.

Originally reserved for royalty and sacred ceremonies, kente cloth gradually became more widely used over time.

This eclectic collection also featured tie-dye and batik, which involve techniques to create patterns on cotton fabric using wax before applying dye. These methods often include twisting, pleating and binding the fabric with string or rubber bands to achieve unique, storied designs. In recent years, dyed batik has seen a surge in popularity within Ghanaian fashion culture and has emerged as a major export product. Items on display range from small, traditional stringed instruments to wide-brimmed woven hats. You will find flowy Ankara (originally named “Dutch wax prints”) summer dresses and skirts, kente-inspired purses and bags, beaded jewellery and fun-patterned sneakers that bring a modern twist to heritage. Ghanaian woven straw fans – commonly known as bolga – are arranged alongside strips of kente fabric sold individually, perfect for custom-made creations. Chic yet functional baskets double as stylish bags, while miniature drums, Ghana shakers, flamboyant fabric fans and indigopatterned hair accessories add playful touches. Among the standout pieces are the elegant smocks known as Gonja (most commonly worn by men), originating from Northern Ghana, demonstrating the country’s rich textile tradition.

Kente cloth holds a deep cultural significance and is closely tied to Ghana’s identity, spirituality and national pride. The Namibia Craft Centre offers visitors an open invitation to experience the distinctive and celebrated vibrancy of Ghana through regular exhibitions, creating a space where tradition, artistry and cultural appreciation can flourish.

Madeleen Duvenhage

Find us at 40 Tal Street, Windhoek

+264 61 242 2222