Entertainment
Lost art: COVID-19’s devastating impact on Ghana’s arts
The role of artists is to express themselves and tell a certain truth about their society in their work.
Art does, and always will, offer insights into who we are and what we are experiencing, as individuals and as a society as a whole.
But art is a money-making venture, and with the world effectively at a standstill, gallerists, dealers, and the artists they represent are essentially operating without one of their greatest sales tools, that is the human connection.
With the COVID-19 pandemic in place, the conventional process of communicating an artist’s vision and enticing collectors, institutions, and gallery goers to buy into it both figuratively and literally has been dormant.
In an interview, Mr. Philip Opuni, a fine artist at the Kumasi Cultural Centre in the Ashanti Region, said the pandemic had shuttered his business
“The principal effect, of course, is not being able to be present physically in front of a piece of work,” he said.
He again said that, visiting the museums, galleries, and having studio visits with artists and interacting with artwork personally was integral to the industry, especially during traumatic moments.
He said that, moments like the one we are in now, ie rising unemployment, instability, and uncertainty, could have an effect. “Many are less concerned with starting or building collections than they are with securing the basic necessities in order to survive.”
“I am not worried about the negative impact of COVID-19 on art, I am, however, worried of the people who count on a functioning art industry to make ends meet and whose livelihood is dependent on museums, galleries being open, on shows being guarded, maintenance being performed, art works being shipped, and sales being made,” he added.
One Mr. Harrison also said, artists were concerned with how long this pandemic was going to last, especially as social distancing was a serious impediment to the process of production.
He said, mass job losses, venue closures and most significantly, the threat of contracting the disease were factors that the art industry wasn’t prepared to face. “The economic hardship might have similarities, but the effect on how we look at art, and how we function as an art community has fundamentally changed,” Mr. Harrison explained.
Ms. Philomina Awudu, an artist at the Tamale Cultural Centre said, the pandemic was changing the way we valued art, which is the biggest question we do not have an answer to.
There is a world where by looking only digitally at art, I can imagine lasting effects on the perception and taste of art. One can ask: Will artwork that is virtual dictate our taste?
“Will it determine the trajectory of the art of the future?”, she asked.
She said, the outbreak of COVID-19 had also led to deeper introspection. Artists, by and large, were required to hit the pause bottom, which revealed a sense of clarity that perhaps wouldn’t have been apparent if the industry continued business as usual.
Reporters, political pundits, health experts, and commentators are all spewing facts and figures, debating over the right course of action to take to move the nation forward. Artists, on the other hand, have the ability to offer a different kind of vision of the future.
Ms Philomina said, “Art is the soul of any civilised society, and I love my part in it; but I am no expert in the business of art, only creating mine, but the current state of the art world, like that weekend at various cultural centres in the country, is cloudy.”
From Geoffrey Buta, Kumasi.
Guinness Ghana has announced a new annual prize package for winners of the Album/EP of the Year category at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), as part of efforts to support the country’s music industry.
The company said beginning from the 27th edition of the awards, the winner of the category will receive a GH¢100,000 cash prize, funding support for a music video for their next project, and a curated album listening experience.
According to Guinness Ghana, the initiative is aimed at promoting creative excellence and contributing to the growth of Ghana’s music ecosystem.
Head of Media and Partnerships at Guinness Ghana, Yaa Amoah-Owusu, said the category represents the highest level of artistic work in the industry.
“The Album/EP of the Year category represents the pinnacle of artistic expression — body of work, storytelling, and sonic identity. This package is Guinness Ghana’s way of recognising excellence and investing in the future of the artist and the industry at large,” she stated.
She added that the company’s support goes beyond recognition on awards night, as it seeks to create long-term value for artistes and the wider creative sector.
Guinness Ghana, a long-time partner of the awards scheme, noted that the initiative will also help increase visibility and audience engagement for the winning artiste’s future projects.
The nominees for the Album/EP of the Year category include Black Sherif for Iron Boy, Stonebwoy for Torcher, Gyakie for After Midnight, Medikal for Disturbation II, Wendy Shay for Ready, and Kweku Smoke for Walk With Me.
Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse, Robert Klah, welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely support for the music industry.
“This is an important intervention from Guinness Ghana. It aligns with our commitment to celebrate and elevate Ghanaian music, while also creating tangible support for artistes,” he said.
He added that the move highlights the importance of albums and EPs as lasting creative works.
The announcement comes ahead of the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards, organised by Charterhouse, with Telecel as headline sponsor, media partnership from TV3, and support from Guinness Ghana.
Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC is one of the country’s leading beverage companies and continues to support arts, culture, and community development in Ghana.
By: Jacob Aggrey
GOMOA Central Constituency in the Central Region of Ghana was the place of attraction for this year’s Easter, as Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Kwame Asare Obeng, affectionately called Aplus staged a four-day carnival.
The event started with a welcome bonfire night, where the people of Gomoa and some dignitaries proceeded through the principal streets of Gomoa Central on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
It continued on Friday with Highlife Night, which saw Kwabena, Bless, Dada Hafco, Kofi Nti, Ofori Amponsah, Samini and others rock patrons.
Saturday started with a walk from Obuasi through Afranse to Ekwamkrom, where a durbar of chiefs was held.
The night erupted with concert at Ekwamkrom headlined by Ghana’s Finest Sarkodie. Sarkodie indeed proved his mettle with back-to-back hit songs and engaging performance.
Patrons also enjoyed mind-blowing performances from Keche, Kuami Eugene, Tinny, Obaapa Christy, Sista Afia and many others.
On Sunday, which was the final day, witnessed packed performances from Patapaa, Kofi Kinaata, Jupitar, Kwaw Kese, Piesie Esther, and Amerado amongst others.
Patrons enjoyed exquisite catwalk on the runway as Smully Wear put together some local designers for a fashion show.
The likes of Aplus, MP for the area, Deputy GTA Boss Gilbert Aggrey (Abeiku Santana), New Media President Eugene Osafo Nkansah and Media Personality Kleff Maxwell Justice (KMJ) were all on the runway as models.
On each day, up and coming musicians had their time on the big stage to enthrall the audience.
Mr Kwame Asare Obeng in an interview with The Spectator expressed his appreciation to the traditional leaders of the area, the constituents, Corporate Ghana and all and sundry for their unflinching support.
He said the success of the maiden edition will lead to even a bigger one next year.
According to him, his constituents who own businesses like hotels, restaurants, other traders and drivers among others were able to cash out from the carnival, which was very satisfying to him.
“Empowering the community to make ends meet to cater for their families was important for me. I have engaged most of them, and they are happy with sales. This makes me very happy,” he said.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
- Sports6 days ago
Former Black Stars player opens up on personal struggles, alleges family betrayal
News2 days agoKwahu Business Forum:My engagement with President Mahama has boosted my business — Lydia Forson
- News2 days ago
“We are working to transform the Kwahu Business Village into an international conference hub”
