Ghana's beauty sector marks turning point with first national Hair and Beauty Festival

Pinned summary · as of 14:08

The Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association staged its inaugural nationwide Hair and Beauty Festival in Accra, bringing members, trainees and industry stakeholders together to showcase work and discuss the sector's future. The event, which centred on turning craft into sustainable enterprise, marks a shift from the regional festivals the association has run for roughly a quarter-century.

What we know

• The Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association held its first nationwide Hair and Beauty Festival, with both the Ghanaian Times and MyJoyOnline confirming the milestone event.
• The festival brought together association members, trainees, exhibitors, sponsors and industry figures to share innovations and professional knowledge.
• GHABA President Tina Offei Yirenkyi called the shift from regional to national scale a significant development for the association, which had run regional festivals for about 25 years.
• According to GHABA and industry leaders, beauty practitioners must transform their skills into working businesses that generate jobs and wealth while supporting Ghana's economic growth.
• Ms Offei Yirenkyi identified three priorities for the sector: strengthening skills through training, fostering creativity and new ideas, and building business capability among practitioners.
• GHABA is committed to continuous training, professional certification and knowledge exchange because the beauty field is evolving rapidly with new methods, tools, products and customer demands, according to Ms Offei Yirenkyi.

What's disputed / unconfirmed

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  Dr Emmanuel Baah Benimah of the Industrial and Commercial Workers' Union urged practitioners to start small with basic equipment and modest spaces, then expand gradually rather than waiting to accumulate large sums before beginning operations.

Why it matters for Ghana

Ghana's beauty industry is a major employer for women and young people seeking economic independence and stable livelihoods. Many practitioners operate informally without formal business training, so a push to build skills in financial management, digital marketing and customer service could help them expand beyond a single salon chair to profitable enterprises that support their families and create jobs in their communities. The sector already generates income in marketplaces and salons across Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and other cities, but stronger practitioner networks and business practices may help Ghana retain clients and spending that currently flows to beauty services abroad.