The National Federation of Masqueraders and Fancy Dress of Ghana (NFMFD) has taken the lead in establishing the Black Star Carnival, positioning Ghana’s masquerade and fancy dress traditions on a global platform with guidance from the World Carnival Commission (WCC).
Speaking at the unveiling in Accra, Mr. Dodzi Foli, Secretary of the Federation, said bringing the WCC team to Ghana underscores the Federation’s commitment to professionalizing, regulating, and elevating masquerade arts into a sustainable cultural industry.
“Our aim is to coordinate activities, improve artistic standards, ensure safety, and support structured growth across the country,” he said. “We want to unify diverse regional traditions into a single national vision while respecting local identity and meeting international standards.”
Focusing on the broader impact of the Carnival, Mr. Andrew Kofi Duodu, Public Relations Officer of NFMFD, highlighted the initiative’s potential for job creation and youth empowerment. He explained that the Carnival would generate employment opportunities in areas such as event management, costume design, music and entertainment, hospitality, and marketing, while providing platforms for young people to develop creative skills.
Mr. Martin Kwaku Bedzra, Vice President of the Federation, emphasized mentorship and training programs for youth, including scholarships, internships, and youth-led carnival projects, designed to integrate young Ghanaians into the cultural economy.
The Federation is also embracing digital innovation, according to Patron Mr. Eric Ohene Larbi, through initiatives such as virtual carnival events, online ticketing, mobile apps, VR experiences, and social media engagement to broaden participation and reach.
The WCC has appointed key NFMFD leaders as ambassadors to champion Ghana’s carnival culture globally, including President Vincent Boakye, Vice President Martin Kwaku Bedzra, Secretary Dodzi Foli, and other senior officials. These ambassadors will act as cultural connectors, fostering international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and sustainable growth for carnival arts.
Through these efforts, the NFMFD is driving Ghana’s Black Star Carnival as a year-round cultural product, combining heritage, innovation, and youth development to place Ghana at the center of the global carnival stage.
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