Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama received a rare pair of Free The Youth x Air Jordan 1 Mid sneakers from the Ghanaian collective's founders on January 10, marking another high-profile moment for the homegrown brand making global waves.
Free The Youth founders Jonathan Coffie, Winfred Mensah, Richard Ormano, and Kelly Foli presented President Mahama with the custom sneakers and matching jersey at his residence, according to YEN.com.gh. The presentation came as the Ghanaian streetwear platform celebrates its tenth anniversary and deepening partnership with Jordan Brand.
The Friends & Family Air Jordan 1 Mid represents one of Jordan Brand's most exclusive recent releases, limited to just 175 numbered pairs. The design channels Ghana's vibrant energy through bold Pan-African colors—red, yellow, green, blue, and orange—across the upper, with oversized FTY branding in green and an orange midsole, per Sneaker News. The defining detail appears on the heel, where the Okodee Mmowere symbol from Ghana's coat of arms replaces the traditional Jordan Wings logo. The symbol represents bravery, unity, and spiritual strength—values aligned with Free The Youth's mission of empowering communities through education and opportunity. Other recipients of the ultra-limited sneakers include DJ Khaled, Ghanaian artist Amaarae, and rapper Fabolous, who received pair 88 of 175 during a Ghana visit, according to HotNewHipHop. Free The Youth, founded in 2013 as a social media platform showcasing Ghanaian street style, has evolved into a fashion brand, creative agency, and NGO.
The collective's first retail Jordan collaboration—an Air Jordan 16—is scheduled for summer 2026 release.
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