Ghanaian actress and fashion icon Nana Akua Addo has called on organisers of major Ghanaian events, particularly Charterhouse's Telecel Ghana Music Awards, to begin treating the red carpet as a serious commercial investment rather than a decorative afterthought.

Speaking in an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Nana Akua Addo, who has become one of the most recognisable faces of Ghanaian fashion, called on organisers to invest heavily in the red carpet, even if it means paying stars to appear.

"TGMA organisers must know that Red Carpet is now business and some people must be paid to give mileage to and talkability about the event," she said plainly.

She highlighted the costs many celebrities who show up glamorous and unsponsored face, which in turn leads to poor appearances at such events.

"Even if the dress costs GH¢20,000, you may still pay GH¢10,000 as collaboration with the designer. Makeup, hair, photographer, videographer, PA and then I ask, 'Why should I spend over GH¢40,000 or GH¢50,000 in one night just to give your show ratings?'" she said.

She noted her earlier appearances at the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) Red Carpet, sharing how she invested in her looks until she started getting paid to appear on the carpet.

"When AMVCA started, I bought everything myself; I funded everything. It's only in recent times that they started paying me," she revealed.

Comparing both the TGMAs and the AMVCAs, she noted that while Ghanaian events tend to give carpet access to virtually anyone who shows up, Nigerians control who appears on their red carpets.

"At AMVCA, the narrative is being controlled. They show the people they want to mount the red carpet. There are passes; not everyone is allowed there," she said.

For Ghanaian organisers, Nana Akua called on them to create strategic partnerships with celebrities known for fashion excellence, sponsor their appearances, and build the kind of pre-event buzz that makes red carpets highly anticipated.

ID/EB

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