Louis Vuitton sells "Ghana Must Go"

Having an idea stolen can be more difficult to deal with especially when the other party makes a bigger name and money off the idea than what it was originally worth. Captured on Louis Vuitton’s (LV) catwalk was the ever famous ‘Ghana Must Go Bag’ also known as ‘Efiewura Sua Me’ (help me carry my bag). The bags many Ghanaians have been using to carry all sorts of stuff – from yam tubers to smoked fish – have suddenly become trade marked items, purportedly designed by Marc Jacobs for LV.

One internet site described Mr. Jacobs’ ‘creation’ as “a complex refraction of the many inspirational sparks that go into the work here: pieces synthesized to project the simultaneous multinational appeal this brand [Louis Vuitton] must maintain.” Our very own ‘Ghana Must Go’ was also labeled as “a funny, cheap, checked shopping bag” (rightly said!) but was only complimentary to LV’s clothing collection. It had embossed on it a big passport-style Louis Vuitton stamp. The audacity? Maybe. Maybe not.

LV seems to have merely capitalized on something Ghanaians have totally refused to give any recognition to. In no time, ‘Ghana Must Go’ might move from being sold on the streets of Makola into boutiques around the world, with prices quoted in dollars.

Hopefully after this exposure, Ghanaians will begin to see variations of the bag – size and color – and, maybe, spice it up as a fashion accessory for Saturday morning shopping at Makola or Sunday morning church service.

The ignominy of carrying ‘Ghana Must Go’ will be removed and even the most chic ladies and gents wouldn’t mind using it. For some, however, no matter what label has been stamped on it – Gucci, Versace or BVLGARI – ‘Ghana Must Go’ will never be a wardrobe option.