News
Selasie Arde-Acquah wins 2020 Kuenyehia Prize for Contemporary Art
Ghanaian Artist, Lois Selasie Arde-Acquah, took home the grand prize of $5,000 as she was named the overall winner at the 2020 Kuenyehia Prize for Contemporary Art.
The award aimed at empowering the most talented artist from the West African sub-region received over one thousand competing art pieces and was contested by 266 artists.
Ms Arde-Acquah’s work stood out among 12 finalists at the award ceremony held last Thursday in Accra with Mr. Opoku Mensah, emerging First Runner up while Nigeria’s Chinwe Chigby was adjudged Second Runner up.
Elikem Nutifafa Kuenyehia, Founder of the Kuenyehia Trust for Contemporary Art, in his address, said the Trust continued to make a difference in spite of challenges.
He said artists who participated in previous contests recorded an increase in value for their works, indicating that the Trust would work to make the award the “most-sought after Art Prize” in Africa.
“There is not a single artist who has made it to our shortlist whose work has not seen an increase in value. Each of our artists is as good as the best anywhere in the world. Each of our artists has an upward trajectory and each of them is worth betting on,” he said.
While acknowledging the support received over the years, the founder urged individuals and corporate entities to patronise indigenous art, support talented artists and donate to the Trust.
“Each of our artists is talented but talent alone is not enough. The artists who get ahead are those who in addition to talent gain visibility and continue to develop their practices,” Mr. Kuenyehia added.
Prof. Edwin Kwesi Bojawah, Director of KNUST Museum, emphasised the role of art in national development and called on stakeholders to invest in the sector.
Mr. Ohenaba Kofi Owusu Bempah, a board member of the Trust, praised the winners for their unique work and was confident that the artists would keep on producing unique and impressive works.
Having been in the industry for the past five years, Ms. Arde-Acquah attributed her progress to hard work stating she would “devote time and resources to art practice in the years ahead.”
By Ernest Nutsugah
Dear Editor,
I have, over time, observed the growing practice of drying washed clothes on the pavements of some principal streets in Accra, as well as on the grassy medians of major roads.
This practice is often carried out by individuals who have made these public spaces their place of abode.
As a country that seeks to maintain a clean, orderly, and beautiful environment, I believe it is time for the government, through the relevant local authorities, to address this issue.
The use of pavements and road medians for drying clothes undermines efforts to promote cleanliness and urban beautification.
Furthermore, this situation could negatively affect Ghana’s tourism industry. Tourists who visit our country do not only come to see historical landmarks and tourist attractions; they also pay attention to the cleanliness, organization, and general appearance of our streets and public spaces.
The sight of clothes hanging on pavements and road medians creates an impression that is inconsistent with the image of a modern and welcoming city.
Equally disturbing is the practice of bathing children on road medians and street pavements. Apart from raising concerns about public hygiene and safety, such activities diminish the dignity and proper use of these public spaces.
As a concerned citizen, I believe that if we are truly committed to keeping our cities clean, attractive, and conducive to tourism and investment, then we must take decisive action.
Local authorities should enforce existing bylaws and regulations governing the use of public spaces and implement measures to prevent such practices.
By doing so, we can preserve the beauty of our cities and project a positive image of Ghana to both residents and visitors alike.
Kojo K,
Madina
Ghanaian soccer fans partied all-night again after the Black Stars held the Three Lions of England to a pulsating goalless draw in a Group L game on Tuesday.
Despite dropping points, the outcome sparked scenes similar to what was seen about a week ago when the Black Stars defeated Panama 1-0 in their opening game.
Ghana went into the game as massive underdogs considering England’s credentials. They were heavy favourites but both countries had their eyes on the same prize-qualification to the next stage of the competition.
With just a point separating the top three countries in the group, qualification would be settled on the final day of qualifiers, which is today when Ghana takes on Croatia and England faces Panama.
Moments after the whistle went for the end of proceedings, the fans hit the streets, jamming to the various Black Stars-themed songs, dancing late into the night.
Though they were working days, fans filled night clubs and pubs in the various vicinities chanting the Stars who became instant heroes.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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