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 Avonsige: The intersection of fashion and culture

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 As I speak to Avonsige Ayinemi Augustina, the visionary CEO and Creative Director of AVONSIGE, she passionately shares her journey with me.

Her voice carries both confidence and warmth, mirroring the essence of her designs yet deeply rooted in culture.

“Fashion for me, is more than just clothing,” she told me. “It is a language, a way of express­ing identity, and a bridge that connects our past, present, and future. Every piece I create tells a story, and that story begins with Ghana.”

Her love affair with fashion began as a teen­ager when she was captivated by an avant-garde show that left an indelible mark on her creative spirit.

“I knew then that I wanted to design unforget­table pieces of garments that leave an impact long after they are worn,” she added.

Encouraged by her supportive parents, she pursued visual arts and textiles, laying the foundation for AVONSIGE, a brand that has since become synonymous with elegance, cultural appreciation, and innovation.

She explains that, AVONSIGE is not just about garments, but rather a gate­way into Ghanaian culture, with a signature aesthetic that merges pristine whites with rich in­digenous textiles.

Again, she said that people have to see Ghanaian smock and kente, fabric and wear them with pride, knowing that each weave carries centuries of history.

She beams as she described her mission of creating a safe space to un­derstand and appreciate the Ghanaian lifestyle and traditions as the country celebrate Ghanaian heritage month.

Fashion should be a conversation starter, a way to carry our history with us. When you wear AVONSIGE, you are not just wearing fabric; you are wearing the soul of Ghana.”

She paused, then added, “To know our attire is to know our worth.”

Avonsige takes immense pride in sourcing authentic fabrics from the Upper East Region of Ghana. “Our styles and textiles are deeply rooted in the craftsmanship of northern Ghana,” she told me. “From the intricate handwoven smocks to the vibrant kente, each fabric carries the legacy of our ancestors, and we ensure that authenticity is preserved in every piece,” she indicated.

Avonsige’s passion for sto­rytelling is evident in every project she undertakes. “I wanted to push beyond the runway,” she said, eyes alight with excitement.

Her commitment to preserv­ing Ghanaian narratives through fashion is unwavering. “Every stitch, every pattern has meaning,” she noted. “That’s the beauty of our craft – it is a living, breathing testament to who we are.”

Beyond luxury and aesthetics, AVONSIGE is deeply rooted in philanthropy. “Fashion should not only inspire but also uplift,” she tells me. Through her annual initiative, AVONSIGE Runway for a Cause, she recreated original designs into Christmas outfits for orphans and underprivileged children in northern Ghana.

“This is some­thing very close to my heart,” she said with a softening voice. “It is my way of giving back, of ensuring that every child feels valued and beautiful.”

As our conversa­tion draws to a close, Avonsige leaves me with a profound thought: “Fashion is not just about what we wear – it is about the stories we carry, the heritage we embrace, and the future we envision.”

Through her passion, creativity, and unwaver­ing dedication, Avonsige Ayinemi Augustina has turned AVONSIGE into more than just a brand. It is a movement, a celebration of culture, ele­gance, and purpose.

Join her on this extraordinary journey where fashion is more than a trend, it is a lifestyle, a cultural bridge, and a force for change.

 By Geoffrey Buta

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Interior minister engages key stakeholders in Ashanti Region

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Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, has paid a courtesy call on Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, at the Regional Coordinating Council in Kumasi.

This meeting forms part of his stakeholder engagement efforts to promote peace and security nationwide.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, warmly welcomed Muntaka Mubarak to his office and expressed his gratitude for the Minister’s unwavering support and commitment to enhancing security in the region.

Dr. Amoakohene highlighted key security challenges plaguing the region and sought collaborative solutions to address these issues.

The Interior Minister reassured the Regional Minister of his dedication to working closely together to ensure crime doesn’t go unchecked in the region.

Since taking office, Muntaka Mubarak has been engaging key stakeholders to promote national unity, foster a shared purpose to strengthen peace and security across Ghana, leverage the wisdom and experience of stakeholders for collective progress as well as to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the nation’s prosperity and security.

Also, Muntaka Mubarak is scheduled to meet with Christian Religious Leaders, Muslim Religious Leaders and Zongo Chiefs to foster collaboration and promote peace, social cohesion and security as well as leveraging on their influence in promoting national harmony.

The Interior Minister will also visit agencies under his ministry to boost their morale and encourage the officers to work diligently towards achieving their mandates.

It will also afford him the opportunity to familiarize himself with their operations and assess the situation on the ground for informed decision-making.

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High Commissioner of Babrbados calls on Minister for Tourism

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H.E. Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, the High Commissioner of Barbados, has  payed a courtesy call on Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts

The courtesy call was to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two nations in the field of culture.

This meeting marked a significant step towards strengthening cultural ties between Barbados and Ghana and focused on potential areas for collaboration in the tourism, culture and creative arts sectors.

The High Commissioner emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy and highlighted the mutual benefits that could arise from collaborative efforts in promoting both countries’ rich cultural heritages.

The Minister expressed interest in learning from Barbados’ successful initiatives promoting cultural tourism and developing creative industries. In turn, the Ambassador highlighted the importance of leveraging the African diaspora in Barbados and the Caribbean as a bridge for furthering collaboration with Ghana.

Both parties agreed to establish a framework for formalising the cooperation, including the drafting of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to guide future initiatives and exchanges.

The courtesy call between H.E. the Ambassador of Barbados and the  Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts underscored the potential for stronger cultural ties between Barbados and Ghana.

 The discussion focused on key areas of collaboration in the arts, tourism, and creative industries, which could foster a greater understanding and appreciation of each country’s cultural heritage.

 Both sides expressed optimism about the future of this partnership, which will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of cultural diplomacy between the two nations.

The meeting concluded with the following recommendations:

 There is a need to formalize the cooperation by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlining the areas of collaboration.

Additionally, to initiate cultural exchange programmes and collaborative art exhibitions to strengthen people-to-people ties.

Present at the meeting were Mr. Phil Philips, Commercial and Cultural Attaché, Barbados High Commission, and Mr. Divine Owusu-Ansah, Director for Culture and Creative Arts at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts

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Ministry of Health hands over five completed hospitals

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Ministry of Health hands over five completed hospitalsThe Ministry of Health yesterday handed over five (5) completed health facilities in the Eastern Region for operationalization by the Ghana Health Service.

Ministry of Health hands over five completed hospitalsThe Ministry of Health yesterday handed over five (5) completed health facilities in the Eastern Region for operationalization by the Ghana Health Service.

Osuodumgya Otutu Ababio V, Chief of Adukrom and Akuapim Nifahene, who chaired the ceremony, urged health professionals to treat their patients with empathy and care. 

He emphasized the importance of providing customer-centered healthcare services.

The Regional Minister for the Eastern Region,  Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, expressed her gratitude to the Ministry, the chiefs, and the people of the communities for their contributions to the successful construction of the facilities.

 She encouraged the chiefs and residents to take ownership of the facilities and ensure their proper maintenance.

The Director-General of the Service, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, received the keys to the facilities from the Regional Minister and handed them over to his Regional Director. 

He took the opportunity to introduce the hospital management team to the Minister and other dignitaries present.

 He urged them to provide quality healthcare to the people within their catchment areas.

 “I want you to prioritize the survival of women and children in your facilities,” he stated. “Give your best to the people.” 

He also appealed to the community to respect and support their healthcare workers.

Mr. Ben Nkasnsah, Director of Infrastructure at the Ministry of Health, handed over the keys to the Regional Minister on behalf of the Minister of Health. He advised traditional leaders (Nananom) to ensure all necessary documentation is completed to secure the facilities. 

Additionally, he encouraged hospital management to maintain the buildings and equipment properly at all times.

The Okere District Hospital, where the symbolic handing-over ceremony took place, is a 40-bed facility equipped with all the major departments required for the full operation of a district hospital.

Osuodumgya Otutu Ababio V, Chief of Adukrom and Akuapim Nifahene, who chaired the ceremony, urged health professionals to treat their patients with empathy and care. 

He emphasized the importance of providing customer-centered healthcare services.

The Regional Minister for the Eastern Region,  Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, expressed her gratitude to the Ministry, the chiefs, and the people of the communities for their contributions to the successful construction of the facilities.

 She encouraged the chiefs and residents to take ownership of the facilities and ensure their proper maintenance.

The Director-General of the Service, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, received the keys to the facilities from the Regional Minister and handed them over to his Regional Director. 

He took the opportunity to introduce the hospital management team to the Minister and other dignitaries present.

 He urged them to provide quality healthcare to the people within their catchment areas.

 “I want you to prioritize the survival of women and children in your facilities,” he stated. “Give your best to the people.” 

He also appealed to the community to respect and support their healthcare workers.

Mr. Ben Nkasnsah, Director of Infrastructure at the Ministry of Health, handed over the keys to the Regional Minister on behalf of the Minister of Health. He advised traditional leaders (Nananom) to ensure all necessary documentation is completed to secure the facilities. 

Additionally, he encouraged hospital management to maintain the buildings and equipment properly at all times.

The Okere District Hospital, where the symbolic handing-over ceremony took place, is a 40-bed facility equipped with all the major departments required for the full operation of a district hospital.

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