International Journal of Innovative Research and Development

A. M. Amankwah , E. K. Howard , G. D. Sarpong

Abstract

Looking good generally is an area of great interest to many, especially the youth. Over the years the youth have tried to be fashionable and have exhibited clothing which is influenced to a large extent by foreign fashion in the wake of globalization. The extent of thisinfluence affects the youth and the local fashion industry positively and negatively. This paper examines the history of fashion in Ghana, the level of foreign influence and how it affects the local fashion industry. A descriptive survey approach was employedbased on qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in accessing data from a number of sources including secondary literature, archival materials, questionnaireand in-depth interviews with key fashion designers in examining the impact of foreign influence on the youth and the local fashion industry. Findings revealed that there were some forms of fashion in terms of clothing, present among Ghanaians before Europeans arrived on the coast. Ghanaian fashion and the youth are being influenced by foreign factors with a mixture of both traditional and foreign design concepts to meet international standards. This paper brings to the fore the effect of foreign fashion and the responsiveness of local fashion designers to turn the rather seeming challenge into an opportunity to develop and project the fashion industry in Ghana. The paper however recommends that local fashion designers should attempt to carve a distinctive look that is Ghanaian to project their presence on the international fashion map.

Keywords

Foreign Fashion, Ghanaian Fashion, Distinctive Style, Youth

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E. K. Howard , G. D. Sarpong , A. M. Amankwah

Abstract

An apparent phenomenon that projected African prints in the 1960's and 1970's to be accepted and customized as valuable and prestigious cloth in Ghana and other countries in the sub-region is the aesthetic values and most significantly the symbolic meanings they carried. Empirical evidence shows that, most Ghanaians, in the past, built wardrobes of high quality symbolic African prints for posterity whereas others bought and wore cloths with symbolic designs to cast insinuations, yell insults at their rivals, exhibit their love, and to serve as a means of distinguishing and projecting one's social status. A survey of current trends in African print designs in Ghana revealed a fast changing design paradigm in contemporary African prints with symbolism being the thing of the past. This comparative study examines the factors attributing to the change, implications of the change and makes feasible recommendations for future design developments. Industrial and market surveys were conducted through descriptive observational study approach to critically observe and examined the classical and contemporary printed designs of major textile firms in Ghana with specific reference to Texstyles Ghana Limited, Printex Ghana Limited, and Akosombo Textiles Limited. Interviews and observable findings reveal that, designers of African prints now place much emphasis on aesthetics which to them attract wider consumers especially the youth. Symbolic designs are only produce on request since they are mostly preferred by the elderly folks. The study recommends integration of aesthetics and symbolism in African print designs to attract more consumers to maximize profits and for preservation of Ghanaian cultural heritage.

Keywords

African Prints, Classical, Contemporary, Symbolism, Aesthetics

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G. D. Sarpong , E. K. Howard , A. Amankwah

Abstract

One of the expectations of Graduates of Fashion and Textile Studies Education in the tertiary institutions in Ghana is to enter into gainful employment with the carrier and technical training they have acquired. Lecturers' effectiveness with regards to the teaching and learning processes in tertiary institutions offering this programme is very vital. This paper therefore sought to evaluate the teaching of Fashion and Textiles Studies programme at the tertiary level and find feasible strategies that can be added to the existing strategies as complementary for the improvement of lecturers' effectiveness. The study employed the qualitative research approach and made use of observation and interview as the main research instruments for data collection. The sampling frame composed of Fashion and Textile Studies lecturers and students in Ashanti, Central and Western regions of Ghana. The study revealed among other things that, lecturers use lecture, demonstration, practical and field trips as the main method for teaching, and in order to facilitate and influence learning in students they support teaching activities with instructional materials, exercises, quizzes, test, and assignments. Other instructional techniques that the study found to be very effective, like, role play, contract plan and team teaching have been suggested and their effectiveness in teaching and learning have been discussed to draw conclusions and recommendations.

Keywords

Effective Teaching, Learning, Education, Fashion, Textile

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G. D. Sarpong , E. K. Howard , O. Ntiri

Abstract

This paper examines the competency skills and challenges facing semi-skilled garment producers within Cape Coast Polytechnic community and its environs. Based upon the findings, an action oriented outreach programme was designed which servesas an engine to guide and propel them in improving upon their knowledge and skills in design and construction of garments that meet the required standards. The outreach programme highlights the effective use of design elements and principles in garment construction. The case study method of the qualitative research was employed with interview and observation as the main instrumentation for data collection. A sample size of thirty was randomly selected from the parent population which comprises five garment producers from C' Poly, Nanaba, Ayifua, Ebubonko, Abura and Kakomdo. The findingsrevealed that, garment producers within the study area have inadequate knowledge and competency skills for garment production to satisfy the clothing needs of consumers of the area who are predominantly students and are fashion conscious. The study therefore recommends a competency-base outreach programme as one of the surest ways to help improve their skills in garment production. A model of the developed outreach programmeis attached to help respondents in this regard.

Keywords

Semi-skilled, Competency, Garment, Challenges, Outreach Programme

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