In a historic and colourful ceremony held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, honoured ten legendary figures in African art, officially launching the 2025 Inaugural Artist Laureates under the theme “Our Old Masters.”
The event, held in partnership with UNESCO, marks the beginning of a decade-long initiative aimed at celebrating lifetime contributions to African visual heritage and inspiring the next generation of creatives across traditional and digital art forms.
Among those honoured were acclaimed sculptor El Anatsui, revered painters Professor Ablade Glover and Professor Ato Delaquis, cultural champion Frances Ademola, and celebrated artist Kwame Akoto. The late Peggy Appiah, known for her literary and philanthropic work in Ghana, was also posthumously recognised, along with other distinguished artists Francis Kwatei Nee-Owoo and three others.
Speaking at the palace before a gathering of dignitaries, including ambassadors from ten countries, UNESCO representatives, and the EU’s Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Irchad Razaaly, the Asantehene reflected on the profound role art has played in Ghana’s journey through history.
“Art as we know it played a critical and functional role in the formation of societies and among virtually all ethnic groups in Ghana from pre-colonial times through cultural imperialism to our independence in 1957,” he said.
He paid tribute to Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who he described as a leader who “used art to unify this country and supported some of the great artists who defined a new vision for our independence.”
The event drew regional and international interest, with Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi representing the Ashanti Regional Minister and delegations arriving from Nigeria, Benin, and the Republic of Seychelles.
With this new honours initiative, the Manhyia Palace hopes to not only preserve Africa’s cultural legacy but also serve as a platform for future generations to innovate, connect, and transform the continent’s art narrative for the 21st century.
The 2025 Artist Laureates ceremony is the first in what is expected to be a series of annual recognitions spotlighting both master artists and emerging talent across the African continent.
