Ten Distinguished Artists honoured by Manhyia Palace Museum, UNESCO

The Manhyia Palace Museum, with UNESCO's help, honored ten artists in Kumasi. This event took place last Friday and was called the 2025 Inaugural Artist Laureates. It recognized their lifetime influence on African art.

The awardees included notable figures like Professor Ablade Glover. He is a painter and founder of the Artists Alliance Gallery in Accra. Other honorees were Professor Ato Delaquis and El Anatsui, a Metallurgy artist featured in Time Magazine’s 2023 list of influential people.

Additional recipients included sculptor Kwatei Nee-Owoo from Touch of Bronze. Frances Ademola from The Loom also received an award, along with painter Peggy Appiah. Public artist Kwame Akoto and royal artist Melanie Kassie were among the honorees too.

Nana Poku Amponsah Dwumfuor from Nsuoase also received recognition for his work at Ghanatta College of Art and Design. The awards mark the start of a ten-year project to honor industrial leaders in Ghana.

This initiative aims to inspire new generations, including those in digital arts. The event attracted policymakers and art patrons from various African countries. Notable attendees included Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Ghana's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.

Mr. Ivor Agyeman-Duah, Director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, spoke about Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s motivation for these awards. His inspiration came after looted objects returned to Kumasi last year following historical conflicts.

UNESCO Representative Mr. Edmond Moukala mentioned plans for an endowment fund. This fund will support the sustainability of the awards for Ghanaians and other Africans.