Accra, Ghana : In a ceremony celebrating the intersection of youth, art, and national identity, three young photographers were recognized at the inaugural National Heritage Photo Competition Awards. The event, held at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, was a vibrant tribute to Ghana’s rich cultural tapestry and the new generation of storytellers capturing it.
The awards ceremony, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts in partnership with the UNESCO office in Accra, was a highlight of the year’s cultural calendar. The competition was launched by Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie on Ghana Culture Day, March 14, 2025, with a clear objective: to inspire young Ghanaians under the age of 25 to use visual storytelling to preserve the nation’s heritage.
The event began with a somber and heartfelt moment of silence for the late Highlife musician Charles Kwadwo Fosu, widely known as Daddy Lumba. Minister Gomashie honored him as “a true legend whose music became the soundtrack of our lives.”
The competition drew a wide array of submissions that beautifully captured different facets of Ghanaian life, including traditional festivals, intricate crafts, historic landmarks, and the rhythm of rural life. The judges evaluated the entries based on creativity and technical skill, selecting images that were not only visually compelling but also rich in cultural significance.
“You have not only told your own stories, but you have helped to tell Ghana’s story,” Gomashie told the winners, praising their talent and vision. She emphasized that these powerful images will be added to the national cultural archive, ensuring their preservation for future generations. The Minister also quoted General Arnold Quanoo, stating, “Heritage is not what we inherit by accident, but what we choose to preserve with intention,” reinforcing the government’s commitment to the intentional promotion and protection of Ghanaian heritage.
The ceremony featured lively entertainment, including a performance by the Ghana Dance Ensemble and a captivating set by poet Nana Asase. Ato Ghartey served as the master of ceremonies, guiding the evening’s proceedings.
The awards were presented to the top three photographers, who were celebrated for their outstanding contributions. Caleb Vanderpuye was named the overall winner, receiving a camera, a tripod, and a plaque. The first runner-up, Kwabena Osei Asamoah, and the second runner-up, Zeinab Abas Mohammed, were each awarded a phone, a tripod, and a plaque.
In her closing remarks, Minister Gomashie reaffirmed the government’s dedication, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, to supporting youth through arts and culture. She ended with an inspiring call to action, urging young people to continue telling Ghana’s story, one image at a time. The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the High Commissioner of Barbados, the Mexican Ambassador to Ghana, the UNESCO Country Director, and representatives from the Togo Embassy and Colombia, highlighting the international significance of Ghana’s cultural preservation efforts.
Sankofaonline
