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Ghana-Peru Arts Contest Returns to Strengthen Cultural Ties
The Embassy of Peru in Ghana has launched the second edition of the Ghana-Peru Arts Contest, a cultural initiative aimed at deepening friendship and artistic exchange between the two countries.
The contest, officially launched on June 10, invites young Ghanaian artists aged between 15 and 25 to create original works that illustrate the friendship between Ghana and Peru.
Participants will compete in three categories: painting, drawing and pencil work, and sculpture and other visual art forms.
Speaking at the launch, Peru’s Ambassador to Ghana, Rosa Liliana Gómez Cárdenas de Weston, described cultural diplomacy as an important tool for promoting understanding, friendship and appreciation among nations.
“Diplomacy is the language of comprehension, understanding and friendship. Cultural diplomacy promotes cultural appreciation, global awareness, inclusivity, heritage preservation, and provides enrichment to the society,” she said.
The Ambassador noted that although Ghana and Peru are separated by thousands of kilometres, the two countries share deep cultural connections, particularly through Afro-Peruvian heritage expressed in music, food and traditions.
“Peru and Ghana, though separated by an ocean, share the same soul. An important binding element between both countries is the Afro-Peruvian heritage through culture, rhythm and food,” she said.
The competition follows the success of the inaugural edition held in 2021 and is being organised by the Embassy of Peru together with the Honorary Consul of Peru in Tema, Ghassan Yared.
According to Ambassador Gómez Cárdenas de Weston, the contest was conceived as a friendship project to encourage Ghanaians to learn more about Peru through artistic expression.
She announced that the contest will now become an annual event, thanks to continued support from the honorary consul.
“I am very pleased to announce that thanks to the generosity of the Peruvian Honorary Consul this contest will be celebrated on a yearly basis,” she said.
Organisers said all submitted works must be original, handmade and not generated using artificial intelligence.
Entries will first be submitted electronically before shortlisted artists are asked to present their works physically for final judging.
The contest offers cash prizes and recognition for outstanding participants. Winners in each of the three categories will receive $300, a certificate and a Peruvian handicraft, while an overall winner will receive an additional $200. Six honourable mentions will also be recognised.
The submission deadline is September 17, with the awards ceremony and exhibition scheduled for October at the University of Ghana’s Great Hall.
Organisers plan to showcase shortlisted and winning artworks during the exhibition, giving young artists a platform to share their creativity with a wider audience.
Encouraging participants to take part, the Ambassador said the contest goes beyond competition and offers young people an opportunity to express themselves and inspire others.
“This contest is more than a competition.it is an opportunity to express yourself, inspire others, and showcase the power of creativity,” she said.
News
CSA urges Universities to strengthen cybersecurity following university of Nottingham cyber-attack
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has cautioned universities and other operators of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) in Ghana to comply with cybersecurity regulations following a recent cyber-attack on the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.
In a press release issued on June 16, 2026, the Authority said the incident should serve as a warning to educational institutions that no organisation is immune to cyber threats, regardless of its size, reputation or technological capacity.
According to the CSA, the attack on the University of Nottingham is believed to have affected about 450,000 students and alumni, exposing sensitive information such as personal records, contact details, student identification information and financial data.
The Authority noted that although the breach occurred outside Ghana, it has important lessons for the country’s education sector as well as other critical sectors including health, telecommunications and transportation.
The CSA explained that Ghanaian universities are increasingly relying on digital technologies such as student information systems, online learning platforms, cloud services, digital payment systems and research collaborations.
While these technologies improve efficiency and access to services, they also create opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities.
“The question is therefore not whether Ghanaian universities or other critical sectors will be attacked, but whether they are sufficiently prepared when an attack occurs,” the statement said.
The Authority reminded institutions to adhere to the Directive for the Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure, which was launched in October 2021 to strengthen cybersecurity across critical sectors.
According to the CSA, the directive requires organisations to establish cybersecurity governance structures, conduct risk assessments, implement security controls, report incidents, carry out regular audits and develop effective incident response plans.
The Authority said these measures are intended to reduce the likelihood and impact of cyber-attacks and help protect essential services and national interests.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Former NPP flagbearer aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, has criticised both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over the delayed completion of the Afari Military Hospital and other stalled health infrastructure projects.
Mr. Agyapong made the remarks on Tuesday after donating a pickup truck, an incubator and personal protective equipment (PPEs) to the 37 Military Hospital as part of activities marking his 66th birthday.
Speaking at the event, he said successive governments had failed to complete the Afari Military Hospital despite having years in office to do so.
According to him, the project was initiated during the administration of former President John Agyekum Kufuor and construction later commenced under the NDC.
Mr. Agyapong, who previously chaired Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, said he was aware of the project’s challenges and insisted that both the NPP and NDC should be held accountable for the delays.
“We will criticise the NDC and we will criticise the NPP. That’s the only way to go,” he said.
He noted that the previous NPP administration spent eight years in office without completing the facility and questioned attempts to place the blame solely on the current government.
The former Assin Central MP called on Ghanaians to put national development ahead of partisan politics and demand accountability from all political parties.
He said the country would make greater progress if leaders focused on completing critical projects and delivering results rather than engaging in political point-scoring.
By: Jacob Aggrey
