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Oscar Awuku’s body painting woos the world
Body painting is a form of art where attractive and intriguing illustrations are displayed on the human skin. Considered one of the oldest forms of art, it can be described as a temporary tattoo which serves different purposes at different times.
It is often seen at special occasions such as festivals and may be used to either express an idea or champion a course. According to oral tradition, it had been used by warriors as ‘camouflage’ in war or to incite fear in enemies.
Although it may not be as common lately, a young Ghanaian talent, Oscar Kobla Mawuli Awuku of Yonga Arts, is taking it a notch higher with his sensual and colourful works across social media platforms.
His creativity has earned him over 100,000 followers on YouTube and many others on Facebook and Instagram. The Spectator recently interacted with this painter and he explained aspects of his craft as well as the inspiration behind his works.
Background
Describing himself as a versatile artist, Mawuli does digital painting, sculpture, canvas painting in addition to his vibrant body paintings.
Currently a final year student of Takoradi Technical University, he studied Visual Arts at Mawuli School in the Volta Region from 2014 to 2017.
His painting started after high school when he was invited by a friend to help in the decoration of video vixens in a music video project in Accra.
“I had no idea about body painting at the time but after the project, I realised it was something I could pick up. Back in high school I used to draw patterns in my books and on tables so I followed that inspiration to start painting the human body,” he recalled.
The past five years, according to him, has been “a learning process” even as he continues to improve the craft and make it more appealing on local and international fronts.
Concept
The paintings he calls ‘Anansinism’, are used to communicate ideologies such as women empowerment and black identity, among others.
“I take inspiration from the weaving process of the proverbial spider, Kweku Ananse, and combine it with traditional Adinkra symbols to make the patterns I draw on the human body,” he said.
Mawuli said that he used to complete a full body painting in an hour or two but has now learnt to speed up and reduce the finishing time to about 20 minutes.
Although he earns some good money sometimes, he considers painting a hobby than a commercial venture, and looks forward to collaborating with bigger art galleries both home and abroad in future.
He said models which include males and females volunteered to take up his body paintings but he did reach out to some of them personally based on the concept he wanted to project.
Touching on possible side effects, he said he was not aware of any adverse effects of body painting, adding that the longevity of a body art was determined by “how soon an individual decided to wash it off the skin.”
Nudity
Commenting on the somewhat controversial aspect of his paintings where models pose almost naked for their bodies to be painted, he explained that not all models preferred to strip naked and that those he painted naked did not arouse or stimulate any negative thoughts in his mind.
The eloquent artist said his family appreciated his work and encouraged him to pursue his vision to the hilt.
Challenges
Mawuli, however, identifies “social acceptance” of body painting as a challenge but says he accepts criticisms as well as commendations that follow some of his works.
He noted some people doubted that his works originated from Ghana while others criticised the nude aspect of his works but he continues to do what he loves doing best.
“Every painting carries its own message and I try to improve on my work everyday. I collaborate with a lot of people on this job and I believe body painting and art in general would be a long term endeavour.
“The limitations have to do with gadgets and other equipment, if I get the needed support I believe I can take my work a step further,” he said.
The 22-year-old maintains that “the art industry is broad”, therefore, people should expand their scope about art and find things they could do to attract more people.
He again advises young people to develop themselves in any form of art they are attracted to but should not feel intimidated in doing what they love.
By Ernest Nutsugah
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Is the “Rev” title biblical?
In many Ghanaian churches, pastors are often introduced as “Reverend” or simply “Rev.”
The title is seen as a mark of respect, yet its biblical basis continues to stir debate.
While some Christians argue that it is a harmless way to honour church leaders, others insist it is unbiblical and should not be used at all.
Those who question the title usually point to the Bible itself. Nowhere in Scripture did Jesus or the apostles use “Reverend” for themselves or for one another.
Instead, they addressed each other as “brother” or “servant.” In Matthew 23, Jesus even warned his followers not to seek titles such as “rabbi” or “father,” teaching that all believers are equal under one God.
Critics also note that Psalm 111:9 describes God’s name alone as “holy and reverend” in the King James Bible.
To them, this means the word should be reserved for God, not for human beings. Others go further, citing Job 32, which cautions against giving flattering titles to men.
For such voices, the modern use of “Reverend” risks elevating pastors beyond what the Bible prescribes.
On the other hand, defenders of the title argue that it is not meant to replace God’s reverence but simply to acknowledge a minister’s role.
In many churches, “Reverend” is given to ordained ministers who have undergone training, much like the way a doctor is addressed as “Dr.”
The Bible itself, they point out, encourages believers to honour their leaders, with 1 Timothy 5:17 stating that elders who direct the affairs of the church well are “worthy of double honour.”
In this sense, the title is seen as a formal courtesy rather than a theological statement.
Supporters remind critics that Christianity does not operate in a vacuum but within cultural settings.
In Ghanaian society, respect for elders and authority is central to social order. Just as chiefs are addressed with titles such as “Nana” or “Togbe,” many Christians believe it is fitting to extend a similar courtesy to church leaders.
In their view, calling a pastor “Reverend” reflects Ghanaian values of honour and respect, and does not amount to worshipping a human being.
Yet the debate is far from settled. Some argue that the title has been abused, with individuals presenting themselves as “Reverend” without any proper training or accountability.
Calls have even been made for the regulation of church titles to prevent confusion and protect the credibility of ministry. Others, however, see no harm in its continued use, so long as it is not taken beyond what Scripture allows.
At the heart of the matter lies a bigger question: should Christians stick strictly to biblical language when addressing their leaders, or is it acceptable to adapt titles as society evolves?
The conversation is not just theological but cultural, touching on how Ghana balances respect for tradition with the authority of Scripture.
The debate over the “Rev” title is therefore not one with easy answers. What is clear, however, is that it forces us to reflect on how we show honour, how we interpret the Bible, and how faith interacts with our cultural practices.
As the discussion continues in church pews and on social platforms, we ask you: should pastors and ministers be called “Reverend,” or should Christians abandon the title altogether?
By: Jacob Aggrey
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Police confirm arrest of two suspects in Asankrangwa murder case
The Western Central Regional Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two men in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 20-year-old man at the Asankrangwa Education Area on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
In a statement signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit, ASP Beatrice Turkson, the police said preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was chased and stabbed multiple times by a group of people.
The incident is believed to have stemmed from a misunderstanding between the deceased and one of the suspects, identified as 36-year-old Kwasi Opong.
According to the police, swift action led to the arrest of Opong and another suspect, 23-year-old William Francis Osei. Both are currently in custody assisting with investigations, while efforts are underway to apprehend another suspect who is still on the run.
The police noted that the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Asankrangwa Catholic Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
“The Command assures the public that all persons connected to this heinous crime will be brought to justice,” the statement said.
The police appealed to the public to provide any information that could assist in the ongoing investigations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
