The Manhyia Palace Museum has honoured five Ghanaian and three international figures for their outstanding contributions to the growth of the creative arts sector at local, national and global levels.
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 by the museum in partnership with UNESCO and other institutions.
This year’s Ghanaian recipients included Ibrahim Mahama, founder of the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art, Red Clay and Nkrumah Volini in Tamale; Yaw Owusu, an installation artist and painter based in New York; painter Larry Otoo; Victor Butler; and portrait artist Afia Prempeh.
The international awardees were Leon Radegonde, the first contemporary artist from Seychelles; Julie Hudson, African Curator at the British Museum; and curator Osei Bonsu.
All honourees received plaques from the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and Lady Julia Osei Tutu, alongside branded ICT diaries provided by Justice and Repair.
In his welcome address, Director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, Ivor Agyeman-Duah, noted that the event also marked 85 years since the passing of a former Asante king. He praised the 2026 laureates for their impact on the creative arts industry and acknowledged Lady Julia Osei Tutu’s role as Chief Patron of the awards.
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, who served as Guest of Honour, said the creative economy goes beyond entertainment, describing it as a key driver of national development, job creation, youth empowerment and global cultural influence.
She said this vision aligns with the objectives of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards, which aim to promote Ghanaian and African artistic heritage while supporting emerging creatives. The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening the tourism, culture and creative arts sectors through collaboration with stakeholders, Parliament, civil society, the private sector and international partners.
UNESCO Country Representative, Edmond Moukala, described art as more than aesthetic expression, saying it reflects history, challenges perspectives and helps shape the future. He noted that the awards are helping build a stronger cultural ecosystem that improves visibility, mentorship and long-term support for artists.
He also linked the initiative to Ghana’s growing role in the global conversation on cultural restitution, adding that the return of African heritage helps restore identity, reconnect communities and inspire future generations.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice Chancellor of KNUST; Yvonne Darkwa Poku, President of Justice and Repair; and H.E. Tamas Feher, Hungarian Ambassador to Ghana.
Others included Mouduzi Nozinisa, CEO of the Eswatini National Trust Commission; Rune Skinnebach, European Union Ambassador to Ghana; and Johanna O. Svanikier, former Ghana Ambassador to France and President of The Heritage and Cultural Society of Africa Foundation.