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Victor Kuutuome — the “Clay Doctor” causing a stare with sculpture
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Has anyone ever tried drawing or painting a piece of art but the work turns out not to be anywhere close to what one had intended to portray?
That could be embarrassing sometimes and it would be most appropriate to ‘hide’ the supposed artwork or risk being mocked by their peers or even competitors.
However, that is not the case of young Victor Kuutuome. He falls in the category of persons who are meticulous about their craft and he produces marvelous works deserving commendation.
With barely three years in the Arts and Sculpture industry, his handiwork has become a huge attraction to many art enthusiasts.
Victor, 29, is a final year student of University of Education, Winneba. At the time of this interview, he was on a teaching internship in one of the schools in his locality.
He had studied Visual Arts at T.I. Ahmadiyya Secondary School in the Central Region in 2009 but financial constraints did not permit him to gain admission to the university the following year.
For eight years, he worked as an apprentice to a roadside artist before gaining admission finally to the university in 2017 to polish his skills in Sculpture and Graphic Design.
The sculptor, now popularly called “Clay Doctor” interacting with The Spectator about his recent works and future prospects, said he had wanted to abandon the course as he did not have initial interest in the field.
“I had wanted to study ceramics but one of my friends suggested we try something new so I settled on sculpture. I was completely lost during our first lesson because I did not have any prior knowledge in this area,” he narrated.
Nonetheless, he soon acquainted himself with the programme and had presented his first practical work which was rated highest among that of his compatriots in class.
As his interest in the craft grew further, Victor said he decided to understudy one of his lecturers at the Art Department who became his mentor.
“My lecturer [Dr. Thouphilus Kwesi Mensah] who was already a sculptor was impressed with my works and agreed that I work with him. His words of encouragement throughout the period pushed me to keep learning,” he noted.
Barring any unforeseen circumstance, Victor would graduate in a few months from today but he had already designed beautiful statues, depicting a host of personalities including popular footballer, Asamoah Gyan, President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, and their spouses.
Others include well known musicians such as Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, and Sarkodie which had gone viral in the early part of 2020.
His recent Akufo-Addo–Bawumia project which he calls “The Grace” had received positive feedback and he was looking forward to an opportunity to present the sculptures to the first gentleman of the land and his able deputy soon.
Touching on the various aspects of his work, Victor said he was able to “visualise the final outlook of any project before it started, adding that he had become engrossed in sculpture to the extent of diverting part of his school fees last year into completing one of his projects.
The man who hails from Nandom in the Upper West Region said he now found gratification in sculpture and believes “hardwork and passion” had contributed to his progress over the years.
“I enjoy giving a helping hand to others and the more I impart knowledge, the more I learn,” he said.
Victor indicated that a number of local and international clients had expressed interest and were “willing to pay good money” ever since his works began receiving public attention.
He said the craft, though exciting, came with some challenges and it took about one to three months to complete a project. However, there were others that could be done in two days.
“In addition to clay which is the main component, we use some chemicals also to enhance the final outlook but some of the chemicals could be harmful.
“Some people had gone blind due to exposure to some of the chemical so we take extra precaution when working with it,” he added.
Last year, Victor and six of his other colleagues were supposed to work on a project for their university but it was truncated due to the lockdown and subsequent closure of schools.
Obama, as others prefer to call him, wants to pursue a Masters Programme in sculpture right after school and consider lecturing in future as well.
While admitting that a section of the public were beginning to understand that statues were “not meant for the dead alone,” he said he was focused on improving the quality of his works and not seeking to compete with anybody.
“Sculpture is the father of art hence producing a statue of someone is an act of immortalising the person. We all will die someday but a sculpture will make the person be remembered forever,” he noted.
According to him, “some individuals now presented statue to their loved ones as a form appreciation but there is still the need for sensitisation while the government provides the needed support for the art and culture industry.”
Victor said he did not “expect a lot of things to happen so soon” and much of his gratitude goes to his mentor and lecturer, Dr Mensah.
The “Clay Doctor,” got his name when he wore a white overcoat to lectures. A friend had teased him briefly for appearing “too decent” to be working with clay and that nickname has since become his brand name.”
Apart from his day’s job, he has a miniature studio at home where he does most of his work anytime he receives orders.
By Ernest Nutsugah
When Rev. Seth Kwame Ativor lost his sight at the age of two, few would have imagined that he would one day make history as the first visually impaired minister to be ordained in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG).
Through determination, faith and unwavering resilience, he has overcome numerous barriers to become an educator, minister and advocate for inclusion.
Born in 1981 at Afife in the Volta Region, Rev. Ativor grew up in a family whose spiritual journey would later influence his own path.
His father was a traditional priest who later converted to Christianity and joined the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
As a young child, Rev. Ativor suddenly lost his sight. Although the exact cause was never established, the condition changed the course of his life.
The loss of vision brought educational and social challenges at a time when support systems and learning materials for visually impaired students were limited.
Despite these obstacles, he remained focused on his education. He attended Okuapeman Secondary School, where he successfully completed his secondary education before gaining admission to the University of Cape Coast (UCC), where he obtained his first degree.
His passion for learning did not end there. He furthered his studies at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), earning two master’s degrees.
He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning and personal development.
Today, Rev. Ativor serves as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) teacher at Okuapeman Senior High School, where he continues to impact the lives of students through education and mentorship.
Although deeply involved in church activities, Rev. Ativor never envisioned himself becoming a minister.
His journey into ministry began after joining Christ Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in 2002. It was during his time in the church that he felt a strong conviction that God was calling him into pastoral ministry.
Initially, he resisted the call.
“I never dreamt of becoming a minister. There was no pastoral background in my family and nothing in my life suggested that I would one day enter the ministry,” he recounted.
The challenge was not only personal. At the time, questions arose about whether a totally blind person could effectively serve as an ordained minister in the church.
Following extensive consultations and discussions among church leaders, Rev. Ativor was eventually granted the opportunity to sit for the church’s entrance examinations and interviews for ministerial training.
He excelled and was admitted to the Presbyterian theological training programme.
After years of theological education and preparation, he was ordained on July 15, becoming the first visually impaired minister in the history of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.
Rev. Ativor’s ordination marked a significant milestone in the church’s efforts towards inclusion.
He explained that the Presbyterian Church has, over the years, made deliberate efforts to create opportunities for groups that were previously marginalised, including women and persons with disabilities.
For him, becoming the first visually impaired minister is not merely a personal achievement but a symbol of what is possible when institutions embrace diversity and equal opportunity.
“My prayer is that I will not remain the first. I hope many more persons with disabilities will be given the opportunity to serve God and society according to their gifts and calling,” he said.
As both an ICT teacher and minister, Rev. Ativor relies heavily on assistive technology to perform his duties.
Using specialised computer software, he is able to access the Bible, theological books, commentaries and other educational materials independently. Technology enables him to prepare sermons, conduct research and perform many of his responsibilities effectively.
He also acknowledges the support of his family, church members and colleagues who assist him when necessary.
His wife, children and siblings have been a constant source of encouragement throughout his educational, professional and ministerial journey.
According to Rev. Ativor, one of the greatest lessons blindness has taught him is humility.
While he values independence, he has learned that accepting help is sometimes necessary and that collaboration makes it possible to achieve greater things.
His experience has also deepened his understanding of the barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
“It is not blindness itself that disables me. It is inaccessible environments, inaccessible information and negative attitudes that create disability,” he emphasised.
He believes society must shift from viewing persons with disabilities as dependent individuals to recognising them as people with talents, skills and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Rev. Ativor’s message to young people living with disabilities is to never allow limitations to define their future.
He encourages them to discover their talents, pursue education and remain determined despite challenges.
“Disability does not mean inability. God has given every person unique abilities and a purpose. Focus on what you can do and strive to make a difference,” he advised.
He also called on parents, schools, churches, policymakers and communities to create inclusive spaces that enable persons with disabilities to thrive.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
For nearly a year, one of the most revered stools in the Asante Kingdom remained vacant, leaving a quiet but unmistakable sense of expectation hanging over the Manhyia Palace.
Every sitting of Asanteman Council, every major traditional ceremony, and every conversation within royal circles carried the same lingering question: Who would become the next Asantehemaa?
Last Monday, that long wait finally gave way to certainty and historic celebration.
In a development warmly received across the length and breadth of the Asante Kingdom, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, formally accepted the nomination and welcomed the newly enstooled Asantehemaa in a grand ceremony steeped in age-old tradition at the Manhyia Palace.
Born Margaret Serebour, the 79-year-old retired educationist has ascended the revered Kusiamoah Stool. She has been enstooled under the stool name Nana Yaa Akyaa II, officially becoming the 15th Asantehemaa in the rich history of the Asante Kingdom.
The historic enstoolment marks the end of months of quiet consultations and meticulous traditional processes following the passing of Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III in August 2025.
Since her demise, the prestigious office of Asantehemaa—one of the highest traditional institutions in Ghana—had remained vacant, with Asanteman patiently awaiting the customary selection of a worthy successor.
Nana Yaa Akyaa II brings an impeccable and deeply historic royal pedigree to the stool.
She is a direct granddaughter of Otumfuo Agyeman Prempeh I, the legendary Asante monarch who, alongside Nana Yaa Asantewaa, was exiled to the Seychelles islands by the British after the Anglo-Asante War.
Furthermore, she is a niece of Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II and a biological sister of the late Nana Akwasi Agyemang, the prominent, long-serving former Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.
A devout Christian, the new Queen mother is also a well-known, dedicated worshipper at the Anglican Church in AshTown, Kumasi.
Palace sources describe Nana Yaa Akyaa II as a woman widely admired within the Royal family for her humility, patience, calm disposition, and unique ability to unite people.
These qualities are regarded as essential for the occupant of an office that seamlessly blends moral authority, cultural stewardship, and traditional leadership.
An opinion leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that Manhyia is once again witnessing a moment of profound historical and cultural significance—one that closes a chapter of waiting and opens a vibrant new page in the centuries-old story of the Asante Kingdom.
Within the constitutional and cultural framework of the Asante Kingdom, the Asantehemaa occupies a position second only to the Asantehene.
She serves as the ultimate custodian of the royal matrilineal lineage and bears the singular responsibility of nominating a successor to the Golden Stool whenever the throne becomes vacant.
Beyond her critical role in succession, she operates as a trusted co-ruler and adviser to the Asantehene, acts as the ultimate leader of women in Asanteman, and serves as a vital arbiter in family and customary disputes.
With her formal customary rites completed on Thursday, July 9, and her acceptance by the Asantehene finalised, Nana Yaa Akyaa II begins her historic reign, anchoring the ancient traditions of Asanteman into a modern era.
The development also paves the way for the preparation of the final funeral rites of the late Nana Yaa Konadu Yiadom III, as ‘Dote Yie’ had already been observed.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
