In Ghana today, birthdays unfold like scenes from a movie. The lights, the cameras, the poses—all perfectly choreographed. What was once a quiet moment of cake, laughter, and family now feels like a red-carpet premiere.
Celebrants step into studios dressed in colour and confidence, turning ordinary days into cinematic celebrations. From flawless make-up to themed sets and grand social media reveals, birthdays have evolved into visual stories crafted to be remembered and shared.
Across Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, Takoradi, and beyond, young Ghanaians are investing in picture-perfect moments ahead of their big day. From hiring photographers and stylists to renting studios or scenic outdoor locations, the birthday experience has shifted from a private milestone to a public production designed for digital audiences.
Social Media and the Rise of the Cyber Self
Pre-birthday photo shoots have become a cultural staple among Ghanaian youth. These celebrations are no longer just about cake and candles—they are about identity, visibility, and storytelling in the digital age.
But what’s fuelling this shift? Is it simply social media hype, or something more profound?
JoyNews spoke to Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Ghana, Professor Isaac Boafo, to unpack the phenomenon. His insights reveal a layered sociological narrative behind the lens.
“Pre-birthday photo shoots are symbolic acts of self-presentation and impression management,” Prof. Boafo explains. “They allow individuals to construct and communicate a particular self-image, whether it’s confidence at 25 or success at 40.”
He likens the trend to a form of identity performance, where outfits, poses, and settings are carefully curated to send a message: “I am thriving. I am evolving. I am seen.”
Global Influence Meets Local Expression
“This isn’t unique to Ghana,” Prof. Boafo notes. “It is part of a global cultural flow. Our youth are learning from international celebrities and adapting those behaviours to their own context.”
From Instagram aesthetics to TikTok countdowns, Ghanaian youth are tapping into global trends while adding their own flair—often blending traditional fabrics with modern fashion or choosing culturally significant locations for their shoots.
Rituals of Transition and Documentation
Beyond aesthetics, Prof. Boafo sees these shoots as modern-day rites of passage. “Just like traditional puberty rites marked transitions, these photo shoots document movement from one stage of life to another,” he says. “They become visual markers of growth, maturity, and aspiration.”
In a digital age, these images serve as timestamps: This was me at 18. This was my 30th. They create a visual archive of personal evolution.
Pressure, Comparison, and Mental Health
But the trend isn’t without its downsides. “Social media has made it more imperative than ever to manage impressions,” Prof. Boafo warns. “The pressure to produce flawless birthday content can lead to financial strain and mental health challenges.”
He highlights the burden on unemployed graduates who feel compelled to spend on make-up artists, photographers, and outfits just to keep up. “It can spark unhealthy social comparison—not just with others, but with your own past self.”
Voices from the Ground: What Ghanaian Youth Are Saying
To understand the lived experiences behind the trend, JoyNews spoke to some young Ghanaians who recently did pre-birthday shoots. Here’s what they had to say:
“I’ve been doing birthday shoots every year for the past three years, and honestly, it’s become my thing! I see everyone posting their gorgeous pictures and I’m like, nope, I’m not missing out. It’s fun, it’s fabulous, and it makes me feel like a celebrity for the day. Plus, who doesn’t love a fresh set of photos to flood the timeline?” disclosed Portia Agoe of Tema.
“For me, birthday photo shoots are deeply personal. They’re not just about aesthetics—they’re about preserving memories and celebrating how far I’ve come. Each year, I look back at my photos and see growth, strength, and transformation. It’s my way of honouring the journey,” affirmed Rose Essandoh, a resident of Akim Oda.
“I’m not really a fan of pre-birthday shoots, to be honest,” confessed Paa Kwesi Abel of Takoradi. “Most of the time, they just happen to coincide with when I need updated photos for official use, like flyers or social media profiles. To save costs, I schedule them close to my birthday, so they serve multiple purposes. Plus, it helps prevent friends from posting old, embarrassing pictures!” Abel concluded.
“This year, I chose to do a photo shoot not just to celebrate my birthday, but to reclaim my confidence. After going through a tough breakup and months of self-doubt, I wanted to see myself through a new lens—literally. The camera didn’t just capture my face; it captured my healing, my strength, and the woman I’m becoming,” shared a respondent who spoke on condition of anonymity.
These voices echo the themes of identity, visibility, practicality, and emotional significance that Professor Boafo described—showing that behind every pose is a story worth telling.
Looking Ahead: A Trend That’s Here to Stay
Prof. Boafo believes the trend will only grow. “As long as social media exists, this won’t stop. In fact, it will become more expensive and more elaborate,” he predicts. “But it will also create jobs for photographers, make-up artists, fashion designers, etc.”
As the trend continues to evolve, one message stands out amid the glamour and growing expectations: authenticity matters.
In a digital world where curated perfection often overshadows reality, Professor Boafo offers a grounded reminder to Ghana’s youth:
“Present your true self, not a cyber self. Resist the urge to compare, and remember that social media is neutral; its impact depends entirely on how you choose to use it. It’s a call to celebrate with intention, not imitation—and to let every birthday reflect who you truly are.”
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