By: Magdalene Andoh and Roberta Gayode Modin
On Budget Day, all eyes were on the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as he prepared to present the nation’s fiscal roadmap.
However, it was not just the budget that captured the attention of the public—it was also the briefcase he carried. Dr. Forson made a powerful statement with the Horseman Minimalist Handmade Leather Briefcase, a striking product of Ghanaian craftsmanship, designed by the renowned Tonyi Senayah’s Horseman brand.
“This was no ordinary bag. It was The Horseman Minimalist Handmade Leather Briefcase, a product of Ghanaian excellence, designed by celebrated shoemaker Tonyi Senayah’s Horseman”, Dr. Forson said.
The choice of this briefcase was symbolic. It represented the essence of Ghana’s “Buy Ghana, Wear Ghana” initiative, championed by former President John Mahama, and reflected the nation’s pride in locally-made products.
Crafted from premium, authentic leather, the Horseman briefcase was not just a functional accessory; it was a symbol of resilience, self-reliance, and national pride.
“The Budget was symbolically carried in a Made-in-Ghana bag—an embodiment of President John Mahama’s “Buy Ghana, Wear Ghana” agenda”, the Finance Minister added.
In contrast, former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta made headlines in a previous budget presentation, carrying a Berluti Jour Neo ScrittioVenezia leather bag—a luxury item estimated to cost around 3,149.23 Euros. This bag, which is equivalent to approximately 45,614.85 Ghanaian Cedi (based on the current exchange rate), spoke to a different kind of statement. While it exuded elegance and high-end fashion, it raised questions about the optics of luxury during a time when the country faces economic challenges.
According to a post by Dr. Forson, his choice of the Horseman briefcase was more than just about the budget presentation; it was a message of supporting local industries, celebrating homegrown talent, and encouraging the nation to embrace its own products. It stood in stark contrast to the luxury item carried by Ofori-Atta, prompting discussions on the values we uphold and the image we project during critical national moments.
Ultimately, the choice of what one carries is often about more than just utility; it can reflect deeper national narratives. While both briefcases were significant, Dr. Forson’s decision to carry a Made-in-Ghana product emphasized a message of unity, pride, and the potential for local industries to thrive—something that resonated strongly with the aspirations of the Ghanaian people.
READ ALSO
One Response