Kumasi: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, through the Manhyia Palace Museum, will honour eight individuals who have distinguished themselves through contemporary arts practice in Ghana and beyond. The awards ceremony, which marks the second edition, is designed to promote artistic excellence and safeguard Ghana's cultural heritage.
According to Ghana News Agency, the programme is organised by the Manhyia Palace Museum in collaboration with UNESCO. It is intended to recognise outstanding achievement, innovation, and meaningful contributions to contemporary art, including curatorial practice and museum development. Mr Ivor Agyemang-Duah, Director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, announced at a press conference in Kumasi that the eight laureates were carefully selected by an expert jury, stressing that there would be no room for influence in the process. He stated that the selection was based strictly on artistic originality, authenticity, and contributions to the Ghanaian creative arts industry.
The laureates include five Ghanaians, two British nationals, and one Seychellois. Among them are Mr Ibrahim Mahama, founder of the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art in Tamale, known for Red Clay and the Nkrumah Violin, Mr Victor Butler (painter), Julie Hudson (African curator at the British Museum), and Mr Osei Bonsu (curator, Ghanaian/British). The rest are Ms Afia Prempeh (portrait artist), Mr Leon Raddegonde (contemporary artist), Mr Yaw Owusu (installation artist and painter), and Mr Larry Otoo (contemporary artist).
Mr Agyeman-Duah stated that the event is expected to host 15 heads of United Nations institutions, 10 ambassadors, and over 500 distinguished personalities from across the globe. The awards ceremony is expected to take place in Kumasi, with a Laureates' Dinner scheduled for May 12, 2026, followed by the main event on May 13 at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Jubilee Auditorium, Manhyia Palace. Exhibitions showcasing the works of the laureates are also expected to run for two weeks at the auditorium.
Describing the awards as 'a global benchmark for integrating culture into sustainable development,' Mr Agyeman-Duah lauded the vision of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for empowering artists, especially youth and women, and for positioning museums as indispensable actors within the creative economy. Lady Julia, wife of the Asantehene, is the Chief patron of the event.