22nd - 23rd MAY 2025 @ Kempinski Hotel Accra, GHANA

Keynote Speakers

Keynotes from visionary leaders & changemakers

Mahama

Keynotes from visionary leaders & changemakers

Following the May event, the September Upcycled Fashion Showcase will highlight keynote speakers from visionary leaders & changemakers across the globe.

Ghana is among the world's largest importers of second-hand clothing, receiving approximately 15 million items each week. This influx presents both challenges and opportunities for sustain- able management and innovation.

The accumulation of textile waste has led to environmental concerns, including pollution of water bodies and strain on waste management systems. For instance, organizations like The Or Foundation report removing an average of 20 tons of textile and plastic waste from beaches weekly, highlighting the pressing need for sustainable solutions.

The second-hand clothing industry contributes significantly to Ghana's economy, supporting approxi- mately 60,000 jobs and adding $76 million to the GDP in 2023. By implement- ing sustainable practices, Ghana can further enhance economic growth and job creation in the green sector.

Under the leadership of President John Mahama, the Ghanaian government has demonstrated its com- mitment to sustainability by integrating the Green Transition into the Ministry of Energy. This bold move underscores the administration’s dedication to advancing discussions on sustainable development, circular economy practices, and innova- tive approaches to textile waste manage- ment.

Hon. Issifu Seidu

Hon. Issifu Seidu

Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability
Allison Swaine-Hughes

Allison Swaine-Hughes

Retail Director, British Heart Foundation

Our Speakers

Ghana is among the world's largest importers of second-hand clothing, receiving approximately 15 million items each week. This influx presents both challenges and opportunities for sustain- able management and innovation.

The accumulation of textile waste has led to environmental concerns, including pollution of water bodies and strain on waste management systems. For instance, organizations like The Or Foundation report removing an average of 20 tons of textile and plastic waste from beaches weekly, highlighting the pressing need for sustainable solutions.

The second-hand clothing industry contributes significantly to Ghana's economy, supporting approxi- mately 60,000 jobs and adding $76 million to the GDP in 2023. By implement- ing sustainable practices, Ghana can further enhance economic growth and job creation in the green sector.

Under the leadership of President John Mahama, the Ghanaian government has demonstrated its com- mitment to sustainability by integrating the Green Transition into the Ministry of Energy. This bold move underscores the administration’s dedication to advancing discussions on sustainable development, circular economy practices, and innova- tive approaches to textile waste manage- ment.

Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed

Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed

Minister for Environment, Science & Technology
David Roman

David Roman

Sustainability Manager, British Heart Foundation
Joyce Bawah Mogtari

Joyce Bawah Mogtari

Senior Legal & Policy Advisor, Government of Ghana
Peter Allan

Peter Allan

Executive Officer, ReFuture Foundation
Stuart Trevor

Stuart Trevor

Founder of All Saints
Sasha Mcfarlane

Sasha Mcfarlane

Executive Director, Future-Proof Fashion
Dr. Daniel Tutu Benefoh

Dr. Daniel Tutu Benefoh

Ag Director, Climate Change Unit, Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana
Desmond Alugnoa

Desmond Alugnoa

Co-Founder of the Green Africa Youth Organisation, Ghana
Bill McRaith

Bill McRaith

Executive Adviser at Future-Proof Fashion
Mr. Jonathan Sait

Mr. Jonathan Sait

CEO, Sait Recycling
Ing. Glenn Kwabena Gyimah (PhD)

Ing. Glenn Kwabena Gyimah (PhD)

Head of Sustainability, Jospong Group
Lee Lawrence

Lee Lawrence

CEO, GreenTech
Peter Page

Peter Page

Group Recycling & ESG Director, Textile Recycling International
Mark Lewonowski

Mark Lewonowski

Special Aide & Adviser at the Presidency
Marlvin Owusu

Marlvin Owusu

Executive, Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUCDA)
Clara Pinkrah-Sam

Clara Pinkrah-Sam

Founder of the Clatural Academy for Sustainable Art (CASA)