Manhyia Palace Museum Celebrates Ghanaian and Global Creative Arts Icons at Otumfuo Awards
Eight artists and cultural leaders honoured in Kumasi for outstanding contributions to the growth of the creative arts industry.
- Five Ghanaian and three international creatives honoured at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards in Kumasi.
- Awards ceremony held in collaboration with UNESCO at the Manhyia Palace Jubilee Auditorium.
- Asantehene and stakeholders commend contributions to art, culture, and heritage development.
The Manhyia Palace Museum has honoured five Ghanaian creative arts personalities and three international figures for their outstanding contributions to the growth and global recognition of the creative arts sector.
The ceremony took place at the Manhyia Palace Jubilee Auditorium in Kumasi as part of the second edition of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards, organised in collaboration with UNESCO and other partners to celebrate excellence in art and culture.
The Ghanaian awardees included Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, founder of the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art, Red Clay, and Nkrumah Volini in Tamale; Mr. Yaw Owusu, an installation artist and painter based in New York; Mr. Larry Otoo, a painter; Mr. Victor Butler, also a painter; and Ms. Afia Prempeh, a portrait artist.
The international honourees were Mr. Leon Radegonde of Seychelles, recognised as the first contemporary artist from his country; Ms. Julie Hudson, African curator at the British Museum; and Mr. Osei Bonsu, a curator.
The recipients were presented with plaques by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and his wife, Lady Julia Osei Tutu. They also received branded, multi-connected rechargeable ICT diaries provided by Justice and Repair.
The Director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, Mr. Ivor Agyeman-Duah, said the event marked 85 years since the passing of a former Asante king. He praised the laureates for their contributions and acknowledged the role of Lady Julia Osei Tutu as Chief Patron of the awards.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Mrs. Dzifa Gomashie, who was the Guest of Honour, said the creative economy is a key driver of national development, job creation, youth empowerment and global cultural influence.
She noted that the initiative aligns with efforts to promote Ghanaian and African artistic heritage while nurturing the next generation of creatives.
She also reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the creative arts sector through stronger collaboration with stakeholders, Parliament, civil society and international partners.
UNESCO Country Representative, Mr. Edmond Moukala, said art is more than appreciation, describing it as a reflection of history and a tool for shaping future possibilities.
He added that the awards programme is helping to build a stronger cultural ecosystem by improving visibility for artists and expanding mentorship and support systems.
He further linked the initiative to Ghana’s role in global cultural restitution efforts, saying the return of African heritage restores dignity and strengthens cultural identity.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, as well as diplomats from the European Union and Hungary, and representatives of cultural institutions across Africa and beyond.
