Adinkra International Arts & Crafts Show Set to Showcase African Cultural Heritage in Accra, Ghana

The inaugural ceremony of the Adinkra International Arts & Crafts Show, hosted by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), is poised to be a landmark event celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage and artistic excellence of Ghana and the wider African continent.

The event is scheduled to take place from April 26th to May 5th, 2024, at the picturesque Papaye Recreational Village in Konkonuru near Aburi, Eastern Region, where the official launch ceremony was also held.

The event promises to captivate audiences with a rich tapestry of African creativity.

The Adinkra Show, spanning ten days, seeks to champion authentic African arts and crafts, towards promoting cultural exchange and spurring economic growth through its diverse showcase of functional art, craft, home décor, jewelry, and textiles, the event provides a platform for visitors to deeply engage with diverse African cultures and experience their artistic brilliance firsthand.

Moreover, the show serves as a crucial opportunity for artisans to connect with key buyers, facilitating potential partnerships and fostering business growth.

The launch event which was attended by key government functionaries, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, representatives from Ghana’s export community, and distinguished guests from across the continent, served as a platform to officially announce the show to the public, media, and stakeholders, promoting the event and generating interest among potential attendees and participants, solidifying Adinkra status as a premier cultural event for the nation.

Osafohene Dr. Afua Asabea Asare 1, CEO of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), expressed her optimism about the show, stating that; 

“Beyond its cultural significance, the Adinkra International Arts & Crafts Show also presents significant economic potential for our nation and the continent as a whole. By promoting our most important non-traditional exports, the show creates invaluable opportunities for local manufacturers and artisans to tap into new markets, establish international partnerships, connect with key buyers, and grow their businesses.”

The Honorable deputy Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, Mr. Mark Okraku – Mantey delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the significance of the Adinkra initiative in the broader context of Ghana’s national development agenda. 

He said, “Government has made it a priority to foster an environment conducive to economic growth and job creation. We have prioritized policy frameworks aimed at facilitating business expansion, stimulating entrepreneurship, and harnessing the potential of our youth.” He added that, the Adinkra International Arts and Crafts Show exemplifies a commitment to this mandate by providing a platform for artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and products, towards celebrating our cultural heritage but catalyzing the potential for economic development.

In a moment of added excitement, the Adinkra International Arts & Crafts Show also unveiled its brand ambassador, none other than the esteemed Rocky Dawuni. Hailing from Ghana, Rocky Dawuni is not only a celebrated singer but also a three-time Grammy-nominee, songwriter, and record producer. Renowned for his signature ‘Afro Roots’ sound, a captivating blend of Reggae, Afrobeats, Highlife, and Soul music, Dawuni’s involvement further underscores the event’s cultural significance and promises to elevate its reach and impact on a global scale.

As preparations for the Adinkra International Arts & Crafts Show gather momentum, excitement is building, and anticipation is mounting for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of African creativity and craftsmanship.