The Manhyia Palace Museum has signed a cooperation agreement with UNESCO Ghana, marking a significant step toward promoting artistic excellence and preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage.
The agreement was formalised in Accra during the launch of the second edition of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards, aimed at strengthening collaboration to advance the creative economy and elevate Ghanaian art on the global stage.
Director of the museum, Ivor Agyeman-Duah, revealed that eight laureates were selected for the 2026 edition following a rigorous process involving both local and international experts. The list features five Ghanaians, two British nationals, and one Seychellois.
Among the awardees is Ibrahim Mahama, alongside Victor Butler, Julie Hudson of the British Museum, Osei Bonsu, portrait artist Afia Prempeh, Leon Raddegonde, New York-based artist Yaw Owusu, and Larry Otoo.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Kumasi, with a Laureates’ Dinner set for May 14, 2026, followed by the main event on May 15 at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Auditorium at the Manhyia Palace.
Exhibitions featuring the works of the laureates will run for two weeks at the auditorium and the Golden Bean Hotel.
The programme will also include the unveiling of a commemorative booklet and a special exhibition honouring Hungarian artist Helene Urszenyi-Breznay, known for her historic portraits of Osei Agyeman Prempeh II, Kwame Nkrumah and Martin Luther King Jr..
UNESCO’s Representative to Ghana, Edmond Moukala, described the awards as a global benchmark for integrating culture into sustainable development. He commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his vision in empowering artists, particularly youth and women, and positioning museums as key drivers of the creative economy.
The partnership aligns with UNESCO conventions on cultural protection and the promotion of diversity, ensuring Ghanaian art is preserved, documented, and recognised internationally.
Representing the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Divine Kwame Owusu-Ansah pledged the ministry’s full support for the initiative.
