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Painting with purpose: The journey of Anthony Jefferson Hanson
ANTHONY Jefferson Hanson is an award-winning Ghanaian artist and muralist whose journey reflects courage, creativity, and calculated risk. Known for his striking portraits, live paintings, and large-scale murals, Anthony has built a name for himself by daring to step into rooms where he was not invited—and leaving those rooms transformed.
From an early age, art was more than a subject in school; it was survival, identity, and ambition. While others were still deciding what they wanted to become, Anthony was already designing assignments for classmates and exploring different forms of visual expression. Graphic design, tattoo artistry, painting, and special effects makeup—he embraced them all. To him, art was never limited to one medium; it was a language.
Anthony, also known as Ashenso_gh, began his professional journey as a tattoo artist, viewing the human body as a living canvas. He approached tattooing not just as decoration, but as storytelling—a transfer of knowledge from canvas to skin. His skill quickly earned attention, and he went on to tattoo and paint for notable personalities.
But he wanted more than recognition; he wanted impact. His boldness often set him apart. On one occasion, he waited for hours just to meet a filmmaker, armed only with a sketchpad and belief in his talent. That single opportunity led him onto film sets, where he expanded his role into graphic design, poster creation, and special effects makeup, improvising materials when necessary and learning on the job. Anthony built his career not by waiting for perfect conditions, but by creating them.
A defining moment in his career came when he painted a portrait of then-Prince Charles during a visit to the United Kingdom. Years later, when Charles ascended the throne as King, Anthony resurfaced the artwork, which eventually gained attention and was presented as a congratulatory gesture from Ghana. What began as a personal artistic vision became a diplomatic cultural bridge. That moment underscored Anthony’s mindset: always think ahead. Always ask, “What’s next?”
His portfolio includes portraits of Ghanaian leaders such as President John Dramani Mahama, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and the late Jerry John Rawlings, as well as international figures including Idris Elba. His murals and live art performances have taken him across borders. Whether painting in Miami’s Design District or exhibiting at corporate events tied to global brands, Anthony approaches every space with intention.
At one international exhibition, when fellow artists failed to appear, he stepped forward and created a spontaneous live painting linking Ghanaian culture to the host brand. The artwork was later transported overseas, a testament to both his preparation and instinct.
Behind the accolades lies a story of perseverance. Anthony speaks candidly about challenges, including financial struggles, rejection, and discouraging comments about his work. There were moments when his dreams seemed larger than his resources, and moments when critics questioned his direction.
“It hasn’t been easy; there have been demoralising words about my paintings,” he admits, but he chose to respond with discipline rather than defeat. He embraced competition, sharpened his originality, and remained humble enough to grow. For Anthony, humility is not surrender; it is strength under control.
Anthony believes that the true power of an artist lies in authenticity. He encourages young creatives to draw inspiration from their environment and culture rather than imitate trends. According to him, originality is what separates a good artist from a lasting one. He often describes talent as “grace”—a gift placed in one’s hands that, when nurtured with consistency and boldness, opens doors across industries and continents.
Today, Anthony Jefferson Hanson stands as more than a painter. He is a creative entrepreneur, mentor, and cultural ambassador. His dream is to see his works on global platforms, representing Ghana with pride and commanding international recognition. Through murals that transform public spaces and portraits that capture powerful personalities, Anthony continues to prove that art is not merely decoration—it is declaration.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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