Art Awards: Asantehene Celebrates “Worthy” Artists

In fulfilment of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene’s wish, a prestigious event was held to acknowledge and celebrate outstanding and illustrious artists from across Ghana.

The maiden edition of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Arts Awards and Endowment Fund, dubbed “Our Old Masters,” held on May 23, 2025, was dedicated to Emeritus Professors of painting and sculpture, public artists, and gallerists who have been members of the avant-garde, second-generation pioneers.

In their glorious ages, eight of the ten artists attended the event at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, in the company of their families and friends. Of the remaining two, the late Peggy Appiah was represented by her son-in-law, while the aging Francis Kwatei was represented by his granddaughter.

The King, in a speech, congratulated them, saying their artworks contributed to giving Ghana a unified national identity.

His Majesty affirmed that they deserved to be recognized, adding, “You do not need to be of a different ethnic group or geographic part of this country to acknowledge them.”

“Long before I gained my current status, I knew them—not because they were coming to the Palace to meet my uncle Prempeh II and brother Opoku Ware, but because their work spoke to all of us. We knew them before.”

“It’s been an honour to have you here tonight, and it was my wish that this came to be. All those who were chosen were people I thought were worthy of this award, so I thank you very much for coming.”

Highlighting the contribution of the arts towards the evolution of Ghana’s national heritage and identity, the occupant of the Golden Stool recollected how President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah leveraged it to unify the country and supported some of the great artists who visually defined the symbols of the new independence.

“He attempted to create an African personality through different aspects of our carrying cultures. While we have not perfected this process, we have succeeded. Our coming together this evening, and the people we have collectively accepted as elders who led the art movement, have shown the world what we can individually and collectively achieve.”

Praying for abundant blessings over their lives, the Asantehene urged them to bequeath their wisdom to the youth who aspire to greatness in the arts.

The artists were the founders of the Artists Alliance Gallery in Accra and former Dean of the College of Art at the Kumasi Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Professor Ablade Glover; the last Dean of the College before it was renamed the College of Art and Built Environment, Professor Ato Delaquis; as well as the metallurgical artist and one of Time Magazine’s 2023 100 Most Influential People, who was also a former Professor and Head of the Fine and Applied Arts Department at the University of Nsukka in Nigeria, El Anatsui.

The others were the innovator and sculptor Francis Kwatei Nee-Owoo of Touch of Bronze; the gallerist Frances Ademola of The Loom; the folklore princess, painter, collector, and author Peggy Appiah; the public artist Kwame Akoto in Kumasi; founder of the Sirigu Women Organization for Pottery and Art in the Upper East, Melanie Kasise; and the Manhyia Palace royal artist, Nana Amponsah Dwumfuor of Nsoase and the Ghanatta College of Art and Design in Accra.

The award scheme was conceived by the Monarch of the Asante Kingdom in partnership with UNESCO as a ten-year project to recognise industrial leaders in the country and to inspire a new generation of practitioners, including those in the digital arts.

The visionary idea was constituted as part of efforts to sustain contemporary Ghanaian art, which had recently been at the mercy of European, American, and Middle Eastern markets.

“There has also been the temptation of young artists seeking validation externally with the Sotheby’s and Christie’s of the world’s known galleries, and their dreams of creative blisses,” the Director of the Manhyia Palace Museum said in his speech.

First of its Kind
UNESCO’s Representative in Ghana, Mr. Edmond Moukala, described the initiative as the first of its kind and a reflection of visionary leadership.

He anticipates that the unique event will strengthen the bridge between tradition and modernity, and heritage and innovation, as well as prevent the illicit trafficking of cultural artefacts and property.

“Today’s Art Prize Endowment Fund attests to the foresight of His Majesty in fostering creative excellence, investing in young talents, and sustaining cultural legacies. UNESCO sees this as a model of best practices that can inspire similar initiatives across Africa and beyond.”

According to him, it also aligns perfectly with the goals of UNESCO’s African Renaissance vision, which encourages cultural sovereignty, youth employment, and economic growth.

Meanwhile, he touted the awardees as visionary creators.

“Let’s take a moment and acknowledge this community of artists, as we call them the Old Masters, who have shaped the history of arts and creativity in Ghana and the world.”

Overwhelmed
Speaking on behalf of the honorees, Prof. Glover said he was overwhelmed by the gesture of the King.

“Nana, I’m overwhelmed. When I started arts, I didn’t anticipate this. I never thought I would ever get here to receive an award from Nana himself. We are grateful.”

Progress of Award Scheme
In furtherance of the King’s vision, the Manhyia Palace Museum has since established a Research Department headed by Ama de-Graft Aikins, a visiting Professor at the Department of Methodology at the London School of Economics; historian Prof. David Owusu-Ansah as an Associate; and Professor Kwesi Edwin Bojawah from KNUST as Technical Advisor.

A Business and Finance Development Department has also been formed to ensure effective international development cooperation goals.

Another milestone is the signing of an MoU with Justice & Repair of the United States, which receives its funding support from the MacArthur Foundation in Chicago, to support international advocacy.

The Manhyia Museum has also signed an MoU with the National Institute of Culture, Heritage and Arts of the Republic of Seychelles for an exhibition by the awardees.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini