Fashion Designer Qlynton Hopes To Connect Ghanaian Creatives With Global Opportunities Through Fashion

Fashion designer and WavvzNewage founder Emmanuel Qlynton Carboo says he wants to build stronger links between Ghanaian creatives and international opportunities after returning to Ghana for the first time in about 15 years.

Speaking on the Big Convo segment of the Culture Daily morning show on 3Music TV and Pluzz 89.9 FM, Qlynton said his long-term vision is to create a bridge between Ghana’s creative industry and the United States through mentorship, education and collaboration.

“I need people who can do the same thing as me, and I know there is so much talent,” he said.

Qlynton said his non-profit organisation was established to inspire young people through fashion, visual arts and community projects. The initiative stepped in after fashion was removed from the curriculum in some schools in Worcester, Massachusetts, because of a shortage of teachers.

He said the organisation taught more than 350 pupils how to sew free of charge and documented the programme, earning recognition from city authorities, who later designated 27 June as a day for the organisation’s annual fashion activities.

Qlynton believes creativity should be nurtured from an early age and said children should be given practical opportunities to develop their skills instead of relying solely on classroom theory.

During his visit to Ghana, he said he was encouraged by the level of talent he encountered, particularly among young fashion designers.

He recounted supporting a Kumasi-based apprentice named Gideon by helping him acquire a sewing machine and workspace so he could establish his own business rather than become part of WavvzNewage.

“I wanted to see how far somebody could go if they got the chance,” he said.

Qlynton also praised practical sewing skills taught to some Ghanaian children, noting that several pupils he met during a visit to his father’s church could already sew by hand. He believes providing such children with better equipment could significantly expand their opportunities.

Looking ahead, Qlyton said he is working with Ghanaian reggae musician Samini on plans for a creative retreat aimed at bringing together artists and designers to collaborate and exchange ideas.

He also hopes to establish a permanent WavvzNewage presence in Ghana and continue working with local creatives, saying the country’s fashion industry has the talent needed to compete on a global stage.