The Ghana Music Awards red-carpet has always been a hot topic, often more for the drama and spectacle than for the fashion and glamour it’s supposed to represent.
While the awards night celebrates Ghanaian musical excellence, the red-carpet which should be a preview of what’s to come later in the night has repeatedly fallen short of expectations.
From overcrowded walkways to jaw-dropping wardrobe choices, and even a live goat making an appearance, the red-carpet has sometimes looked more like a circus than the classy affair it’s meant to be.
The event which is meant to celebrate Ghanaian music and culture in all its stylish glory often ends up as fodder for memes and rants on social media.
When the red-carpet became a running joke
Over the past years, the Ghana Music Awards red-carpet has seen its fair share of unforgettable and questionable moments.
Instead of being a place to showcase high fashion and celebrity elegance, it’s become a platform for stunts, confusion, and viral missteps.
Who could forget the infamous moment when an artiste brought a goat onto the red-carpet? Yes, a live goat.
That bizarre act grabbed headlines for all the wrong reasons and symbolised just how unregulated and unserious the event had become.
Then there was a male musician who took things to the extreme by showing up dressed like a woman, wearing a full wig, and makeup, and acting the part completely.
While there is freedom for artistic expression at such events, many questioned whether it was for style, performance, or just to trend for shock value.
And the overcrowding? That’s a story of its own. The red-carpet, which should ideally host only celebrities, invited guests, and accredited media, often turned into a packed zone where influencers with no clear connection to the event jostled for space with award nominees and performers.
At times, it looked like anyone who showed up at the venue could just strut onto the red-carpet, giving the entire segment an air of disorganisation.
Voices of disappointment from the industry
These issues didn’t go unnoticed by people within the entertainment space. Musicians like Sista Afia and media personalities such as Ola Michael and Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD) have all expressed their disappointment.
Ola Michael once described the red-carpet as looking more like a market scene than a glamorous event, accusing the organisers of poor planning and a lack of control over who was allowed on it.
“Maybe they didn’t plan it, or they got someone unqualified to plan it,” he said.
KOD, a respected fashion and media person, was even more critical.
He compared the Ghana Music Awards red-carpet experience to what is seen in countries like Nigeria and South Africa, where red-carpets are treated as serious, curated events.
He argued that Ghana has the talent and creativity to match those standards if only the right effort is made.
“If we watch what happens out there, continentally, let me even come back to the African continent, events that take place in South Africa, Nigeria, and what have you, we see better stuff,” he posted on Facebook after the previous edition.
The Turning Point: What’s changing in 2025
After years of backlash, Charterhouse, the organisers of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards, have decided it’s time for a reset.
At the 2025 edition of the Ghana Music Awards, Charterhouse is promising a more structured, dignified, and polished red-carpet experience, one that befits the status of Ghana’s biggest music night.
According to the organisers, there will be two red-carpet sessions on the night:
1. General Session: This area is designed for basic media engagement and photoshoots. Attendees who are not on the main invite list will still have a space for themselves.
2. Main Red-Carpet Session: This is where only invited celebrities and high-profile guests will be allowed. This section will be televised, include organised fashion interviews where the question “who are you wearing” will be asked, and be presented in a way that matches international standards.
Why a proper red-carpet matters
It’s easy to underestimate the importance of the red-carpet. After all, it’s just the build-up to the main awards night, right? Not quite.
A well-organised red-carpet can elevate the entire event. It sets the tone for the night, allows fashion designers and stylists to showcase their creativity and also allows artistes to communicate their brands.
It’s also a powerful PR tool. Photos and interviews from the red-carpet often travel far beyond the awards themselves, they are what the media and fans will talk about for days or even weeks.
Cautious Optimism: Will Charterhouse deliver?
The plans from Charterhouse for this year’s edition sound impressive, but the industry is watching closely.
Over the years, there have been several promises of improvement that didn’t quite materialise. So, while the excitement is real, so is the scepticism.
Execution is everything. From ensuring that only invited guests are allowed onto the main carpet, to making sure fashion interviews are well coordinated.
Conclusion: Time for Charterhouse to walk the talk
This year’s red-carpet will be closely watched by viewers at home and also by the entire entertainment ecosystem.
The industry is expecting Charterhouse to deliver on its promise, with proper planning, better vetting, clear direction, and above all, respect for the event’s image.
With only the best-dressed and most relevant faces gracing the main red-carpet, the Ghana Music Awards may finally elevate its red-carpet to the standard of other top-tier African events.
AK/EB
