Ghanaian fashion icon and media personality Nana Akua Addo has responded to actress Yvonne Nelson’s past criticism of Ghanaian celebrities’ obsession with red-carpet appearances, arguing that what was once dismissed is now widely celebrated within the entertainment industry.

In a statement shared on social media, Nana Akua Addo reflected on comments made on July 24, 2017, when criticism was directed at her and other creatives who invested heavily in making bold fashion statements on red carpets. According to her, such efforts were often portrayed as vanity, unnecessary attention-seeking, and a distraction from more important issues.

She noted that nearly a decade later, the same red-carpet culture has become an accepted and celebrated part of the entertainment industry, with celebrities embracing luxury fashion, professional beauty styling, glamorous arrivals, and carefully curated public appearances.

Questioning the shift in public perception, Nana Akua Addo asked what had changed over the years. She maintained that her decision to stand out on red carpets was never solely about fashion but was aimed at creating opportunities for people working behind the scenes in Ghana’s creative sector.

According to her, the visibility generated through red-carpet appearances helped promote Ghanaian fashion designers, stylists, makeup artists, photographers, creative directors, glam teams, and the broader tourism and creative industries.

Nana Akua Addo explained that she recognized early on that the red carpet represented more than personal appearance. In her view, it served as a platform for branding, storytelling, economic growth, and job creation for young creatives seeking opportunities within the industry.

She further questioned why those efforts were criticized in the past only to receive widespread acceptance today, suggesting that the significance of red-carpet culture may not have been fully understood or appreciated at the time.

Despite raising these concerns, Nana Akua Addo acknowledged the positive evolution in attitudes toward fashion and creative expression. She said she appreciates the progress that has been made and believes Ghana’s red-carpet culture could have achieved even greater international recognition if it had enjoyed collective support from the outset.

Highlighting her contribution to the industry’s development, she stated that she had helped lay the foundation for many others to confidently embrace the red-carpet culture that now thrives.

“I walked so many could confidently run,” she said, adding that Ghana’s red-carpet scene might have become even more globally influential if it had received encouragement rather than criticism from the beginning.

Nana Akua Addo also took a moment to compliment Yvonne Nelson, describing the actress as beautiful, while encouraging young creatives to remain committed to their dreams and continue pursuing their passions despite criticism.

She urged emerging talents to stay inspired, believe in their abilities, remain authentic, and persevere, emphasizing that ideas or efforts that are questioned today often become the accepted standard of tomorrow.

These words  was written by Nana Akua Addo, who also referenced her recognition as a laureate winner at the 2026 Ghana Movie Awards.