Otumfuo Osei Tutu II honours 10 artists as Inaugural Artist Laureates

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has honoured ten distinguished artists at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi as part of the 2025 Inaugural Artist Laureates awards. The ceremony, held in collaboration with UNESCO, celebrated the lifetime contributions of these individuals to African art and culture.

Among the awardees were renowned Ghanaian creatives such as Professor Ablade Glover, Professor Ato Delaquis, El Anatsui, Francis Kwatei Nee-Owoo, Frances Ademola, Peggy Appiah, and Kwame Akoto, along with three other distinguished figures. The initiative seeks to spotlight leading contributors to African artistic heritage while encouraging the next generation of artists, particularly in both traditional and digital media.

This event marks the beginning of a ten-year initiative by the Manhyia Palace to annually recognise pioneers in the arts. It is part of a broader mission to elevate the role of art in society and to position Ghana as a cultural beacon within the region.

In his remarks, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II highlighted the historical and social significance of art in shaping Ghanaian identity and unity.

“Art as we know it played a critical and functional role in the formation of societies and among virtually all the ethnic groups in Ghana from pre-colonial times through the cultural imperialism that followed and our terms of a nation from 1957. Our first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, used it to unify this country and supported some of the great artists we came to know and who defined vision for us, the symbol of our new independence,” he stated.

The Asantehene’s speech highlighted how art has been central not only to cultural expression but also to national unity and pride.

The event also attracted the attention of policymakers and cultural advocates beyond Ghana, with delegations from Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, and the Republic of Seychelles in attendance. Organisers hope that the initiative will spark renewed interest in African art and foster regional collaboration.