Dreams College of Creative Arts (DCCA) has marked a significant milestone in its history with a spectacular 10th anniversary celebration which was held on Saturday, 19 September 2026, at the Tang Palace Hotel in Accra. Under the theme "A Decade of Empowerment, Influence and Impact," the celebration brought together graduates, alumni, industry professionals, distinguished guests, partners, fashion enthusiasts and members of the Dreams community to reflect on a decade of creativity, growth, achievement and transformation.

The celebration was organised as a three-in-one event comprising the college's seventh convocation ceremony, an alumni luncheon and fundraising event in support of Dreams School of Crafts, and a grand graduates' fashion showcase. From the recognition of academic excellence in the morning to the celebration of alumni achievements in the afternoon and the presentation of graduate collections in the evening, the event highlighted the institution's commitment to developing talent and shaping the future of Ghana's fashion industry.

A Morning of Academic Excellence: DCCA's 7th Convocation

The day commenced at 9:30 a.m with the 7^th convocation ceremony of Dreams College of Creative Arts, celebrating the achievements of 54 graduates across six programme categories. The ceremony was a moment of pride for the graduating students, their families, faculty members and the entire Dreams community, as the graduates marked an important transition from training to the next chapter of their professional journeys.

The ceremony featured an opening worship led by Minister Comfort Vitashie, the opening hymn, the Ghana National Anthem and the Dreams College Anthem. An opening prayer and benediction were delivered by Rev. Fr. Joe Sablah, setting a reflective and celebratory tone for the occasion.

In his address, the founder of Dreams College of Creative Arts, Dr. Clement Asemnyra (EdD), reflected on the vision that gave birth to the institution and its growth over the past decade. What began as a commitment to helping others develop their skills has evolved into an institution dedicated to nurturing creativity, building confidence and equipping aspiring designers and artisans with practical skills for the fashion and creative industries.

The programme also featured a student class-day address by Ms. Akwetey Richlove Mathilda and a class-day address by Prof. Fred Yao Gbagbo. Their contributions formed part of the ceremony's reflection on learning, achievement and the responsibilities that accompany professional growth.

The graduates received their awards across the following categories:

• Diploma in Fashion Design Technology
• Certificate in Fashion Design Technology
• Certificate in Womenswear Design Technology (Haute Couture Ecole)
• Certificate in Womenswear Design Technology (Couture Ecole)
• Certificate in Sewing School (Victoria Sewing School)
• Certificate in Womenswear Design Technology (Private Class)

Celebrating Outstanding Students

A major highlight of the convocation was the recognition of students who distinguished themselves through academic performance and dedication to their respective programmes. Sandra Dansowaa Boadi was crowned Overall Best Student for the 2025 Diploma in Fashion Design Technology class, while Samuel Owusu Ansah was recognised as Best Student for the 2026 Diploma in Fashion Design Technology class.

Other outstanding students recognised were:

• Moses Nhyiraba Mensah - Best Student, Certificate in Womenswear Design Technology (Couture Ecole).
• Josephine Casmela Asani - Best Student, Certificate in Womenswear Design Technology (Haute Couture Ecole).
• Stella Yankey - Best Student, Certificate in Sewing School (Victoria Sewing School), 2025 class.
• Hajira Baffoe - Best Student, Certificate in Sewing School (Victoria Sewing School), 2026 class.

In recognition of their accomplishments, the best students received dress forms and industrial sewing machines to support their trade. The awards reflected the college's commitment to rewarding excellence and providing deserving graduates with practical tools to advance their careers.

Additional awards were presented to students who demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, as well as those recognised as the most promising students. These honours celebrated not only academic achievement but also the character, initiative and potential required to make meaningful contributions to the fashion industry. The convocation concluded at 11:00 a.m leaving the graduating class with a renewed sense of pride and anticipation for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Celebrating Alumni and Supporting the Future: Alumni Luncheon and Fundraising

The second phase of the anniversary celebration was the alumni luncheon and fundraising event in support of Dreams School of Crafts, the institution's charitable training initiative established to equip young women from rural communities with employable garment-making and surface ornamentation skills.

The session was chaired by Mrs. Karen Hendrickson, who commended Dreams College of Creative Arts for its vision, commitment and contribution to the fashion industry. Having also chaired a previous fundraizer organised by the foundation, she acknowledged the college's continued dedication to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for aspiring creatives. The event was hosted by Dr. Bismark Odum-Sackey and Ms. Zeinat Issahaku, who guided proceedings as alumni, guests and invited industry personalities gathered for the occasion. Dressed in the anniversary kente, past students brought colour, elegance and a strong sense of belonging to the celebration.

An Hour of Insight: Building a Career of Purpose, Profit and Influence

Before the presentation of alumni awards, attendees participated in an insightful one-hour masterclass led by Madam Gwen Addo, a business executive and strategist. The session, titled "Building a Career of Purpose, Profit and Influence," explored the importance of building careers that combine meaningful impact with business sustainability and professional relevance. The masterclass provided an opportunity for alumni to reflect on the relationship between purpose, profitability and influence in building successful careers. It also reinforced the importance of strategic thinking, personal development and the ability to create value within the fashion and creative industries.

Honouring Alumni Who Continue to Make an Impact

One of the afternoon's most significant moments was the recognition of approximately 67 invited alumni whose achievements continue to reflect the values and aspirations of Dreams College of Creative Arts. Through the presentation of plaques and citations, the institution honoured past students who have built brands, developed businesses, created employment opportunities and contributed to the growth of the fashion industry in Ghana and beyond. The recognition was a celebration of the transition from a student to a professional and an entrepreneur. It highlighted the lasting relationship between the college and its alumni, whose achievements stand as a testament to the potential of creative education when combined with dedication, innovation and perseverance.

As Dreams celebrated its first decade, the alumni recognition also served as a reminder that the institution's legacy extends beyond its studios. It lives on through the work, businesses, creativity and influence of the people it has trained.

Music, Fashion and a Shared Commitment to Empowerment

The luncheon was enlivened by a musical performance from Adina, the popular Ghanaian singer, whose performance added entertainment and excitement to the gathering amid a buffet as food and refreshments were served. The fundraising session was juxtaposed with runway presentations featuring garments created by renowed fashion dsigners. The presentations showcased the diversity of design talents and reinforced the importance of supporting creative enterprise and skills development.

Among the designers featured were Sadia Sanusi, Reve Atelier, Lushlahai and Shapes by Nelson. The runway also paid tribute to the late Sadia Sanusi, a talented fashion designer and proud alumna of Dreams College of Creative Arts who passed away just weeks before the anniversary celebration. Sadia Sanusi's brand showcase carried particular significance. Her relationship with Dreams extended beyond her own training: she supported the institution's empowerment initiatives, provided internship opportunities and contributed to the development of emerging designers. The anniversary brochure also recognises her longstanding commitment to supporting outstanding students through donations of industrial sewing machines and sewing supplies. Her inclusion in the runway presentations was a touching reminder of the enduring influence of creatives whose work and generosity continue to inspire others even after their passing.

The event was further graced by the presence of Miss Malaika queens, adding to the gathering of personalities from fashion, entertainment and the wider creative community. Beyond the celebration, the fundraising initiative reaffirmed the importance of investing in Dreams School of Crafts. By equipping young women, particularly those from rural communities, with practical and employable skills, the initiative seeks to expand access to opportunities and contribute to sustainable livelihoods. The alumni luncheon and fundraising event concluded at 6:00 p.m having brought together recognition, knowledge-sharing, entertainment and a shared commitment to the future of creative education.

Fashion Takes Centre Stage: The Grand Graduates' Fashion Showcase

The final climax of the anniversary was the highly anticipated graduates' fashion showcase, where graduating students presented their collections on the runway in a celebration of creativity, technical skill and artistic expression. The evening began with an opening address by Derrick Kegeri, Admissions and Course Counselor at Dreams College of Creative Arts. He welcomed guests and thanked everyone who had supported the institution throughout its ten-year journey. He also outlined what the audience could expect from the showcase, inviting attendees to appreciate the creativity, craftsmanship and dedication represented in the graduates' collections.

The runway opened with child models before adult models taking center stage. The transition from these young models to the models for the night created an engaging introduction to an evening dedicated to the endless possibilities of creative expression. As the showcase progressed, graduating students presented collections that reflected the knowledge and practical skills developed during their training. Every appearance on the runway represented hours of learning, experimentation, construction and refinement. The event gave the graduates an opportunity to present their work before an audience of industry professionals, family members, alumni and fashion enthusiasts.

The showcase was more than a display of garments; it was a celebration of the journey from learning the fundamentals of design and garment construction to developing the confidence to showcase original pieces. It demonstrated the role of fashion education in helping emerging designers transform ideas into finished creations and prepare for opportunities within the industry.

For the graduating students, the runway represented both an achievement and a beginning: a moment to celebrate their progress while looking ahead to the endless opportunities that await them.

Honouring the People Behind a Decade of Dreams

The evening also provided an opportunity to recognise individuals who had contributed to the growth and development of Dreams College of Creative Arts over the past ten years. Dr. Clement Asemnyra, the founder of the institution, personally presented special awards to individuals whose support and contributions had helped shape the Dreams journey. The recognition celebrated the people whose commitment, encouragement and involvement had strengthened the institution and supported its vision over the years.

The awards acknowledged an important truth behind the college's milestone: while institutions are built on vision, their growth depends on the collective efforts of individuals who believe in that vision and contribute to its realisation. Their recognition was therefore a fitting part of the anniversary celebration, honouring the relationships and shared commitment that have helped Dreams College evolve over the past decade.

The graduation fashion showcase continued into the night, bringing together fashion, celebration and appreciation for the achievements of the graduating class. The programme officially ended at 11:30 p.m drawing the day's three-part celebration to a close.

A Decade of Impact, A Future of Possibilities

The 10th anniversary celebration was not simply an occasion to look back at the achievements of Dreams College of Creative Arts. It was also an opportunity to reaffirm the institution's purpose and its commitment to the future of fashion education, creative entrepreneurship and community empowerment.

Since its establishment in 2016, Dreams College of Creative Arts has grown from a vision rooted in practical learning into a community that has trained and mentored creatives who are making contributions to the fashion industry in Ghana and beyond. The institution's journey has been marked by academic training, industry partnerships, empowerment masterclasses, internship opportunities, scholarships and initiatives designed to widen access to creative education.

Its impact also extends to Dreams School of Crafts, founded in 2023 to provide young people from rural communities with employable garment-making and surface ornamentation skills. Through this initiative, the Dreams vision reaches beyond professional fashion training to embrace social responsibility and the creation of sustainable opportunities.

The anniversary also offered an opportunity to remember the people whose contributions have become part of the institution's history, including the late Sadia Sanusi, whose dedication to education, craftsmanship and empowerment remains an enduring part of the Dreams story.

In reflecting on the milestone, founder Dr. Clement Asemnyra emphasised a vision that looks beyond the first decade: strengthening creative education, preserving and reimagining African craftsmanship, creating opportunities for underserved communities and developing designers and artisans whose work can command respect on the global stage.

The message of the anniversary was clear: ten years is not the destination, but the foundation for greater possibilities. Through its graduates, alumni, faculty, partners and community initiatives, Dreams College of Creative Arts continues to pursue a future in which creativity is nurtured with purpose, skills translate into opportunities, and talent becomes a force for meaningful change. Dreams College of Creative Arts at 10: a decade of empowerment, influence and impact and the beginning of an even greater legacy.