“Ghanaian brands must pay up or get left behind”. Rodney Ossei was very vocal about what he wants.
He had just rejected multiple local collaborations. “I won’t devalue my worth for hometown discounts,” he declared in an interview.
The catwalk star claims Ghanaian brands expect world-class work at bargain prices. “They want New York quality with Accra budgets,” he fired back.
His bold stance has ignited fierce debates across social media:
Supporters cheer: “Finally someone said it!”
Critics counter: “Not every brand can afford international rates”
Industry insiders reveal this pay dispute reflects a deeper issue. Many African creatives face pressure to accept low fees for “exposure.”
The model’s ultimatum comes as Ghana’s fashion scene gains global attention. But can local businesses afford top talent without proper funding?
Veteran stylist Kwame Asare weighs in: “We must stop exploiting passion. Good work deserves good money – period.”
Some brands are already responding. Emerging designer Ama Boateng shared: “This pushed us to revise our modeling budgets immediately.”
The model remains firm: “I love Ghana, but charity begins abroad. Pay properly or watch us walk.”
Will this spark real change? One thing’s clear – Ghana’s creative economy just hit a growth crisis point.
