Videos: CNC Ashanti Launches 2025 Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Arts and Craft Exhibition

The Ashanti Regional Centre for National Culture (CNC) has officially launched the 2025 Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Annual Arts and Craft Exhibition in Kumasi, under the theme: “Marketplace of Creativity: Promoting Arts and Crafts for Economic Development.”

The launch event, held on the premises of the CNC, showcased an impressive collection of artistic and craft creations by artisans from across the country. Exhibitors are expected to display their works for two months, with stalls provided at affordable rates by CNC management.

Crafts on display include framed paintings, wooden sculptures, beaded jewelry, leather bags, African print fabrics, batik and tie-and-dye clothing, broadloom Kente cloths, necklaces, anklets, and more.

Prison Inmates Exhibit Creative Talents

A unique highlight of this year’s exhibition was the participation of inmates and officers from the Kumasi Central Prison, who showcased their handcrafted works as part of a rehabilitation program. Their involvement underscores the exhibition’s broader social purpose—empowering the incarcerated with skills that aid reintegration into society.

In his welcome address, Mr. Peter K. Marfo, Acting Director of the Ashanti Regional CNC, explained that the annual exhibition is a platform to celebrate and promote Ghanaian arts while driving economic growth through the creative industry.

He encouraged artisans to partner with the Ghana Prisons Service to train inmates in various artistic skills. Such collaborations, he said, would contribute to reducing crime by equipping former offenders with employable talents after their release.

Ghana Prisons Service Backs Initiative

Deputy Director of Prisons James B. Mwinyelle, Ashanti Regional Commander of the Ghana Prisons Service, expressed appreciation to CNC for offering prison inmates and officers free exhibition space. He stressed that correctional facilities are part of society and called on the public to engage positively with inmates.

“By visiting and encouraging inmates,” he said, “we create a path for smoother reintegration, which ultimately reduces reoffending.”

Call for Public Support

Chairperson of the occasion, Nana Tabono Bonus III, Chief of Akyease Traditional Area and Otumfuo Obrempong, lauded the CNC for giving artisans and inmates alike a stage to share their God-given talents. He urged the general public to patronize the exhibition and support local artisans.

The launch was animated by traditional performances from the Amammereso Agofomma cultural troupe and the Prisons Gyama Group, adding rich cultural flavor to the occasion.

The exhibition is currently open to the public at the CNC grounds in Kumasi and is expected to run for the next two months.