Beyond the game, Kwesi Arko's lens brings sports to life

In our part of the world where the arts are often overlooked and underappreciated, young talents like Kwesi Arko are defying the odds and turning their passion into a profession. 

With his camera, Kwesi is redefining the boundaries of sports photography, capturing the essence of the game and the spirit of its players.

His endeavour and photography craft defines the saying by renowned Swiss American photographer, Robert Frank. In his words, “There is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment.”

That seems to be the guiding principle of Kwesi Arko, a rising sports photographer, catching eyeballs with his photography works. 

Nurturing his skills at a young age when he took enthralling pictures back in primary school at Mystical Rose Academy, Sowutuom in Accra and proceeded to Deyoungsters International School in Nima for Junior High School.

Kwesi Arko's remarkable talent in photography is fueled by an unwavering passion for the arts, which has been evident since his early days in secondary school when he studied Visual arts. Notably, during his final year, he was entrusted with the prestigious task of designing the 60th Anniversary Cloth for Aquinas, a challenge he excelled in with flying colours. 

This achievement not only showcased his creative prowess but also reinforced the notion that 'coming events cast their shadows.'

Fast forward to the present, and the talented artist's humble beginnings in photography are a far cry from his current success. It all started in 2018, when he first picked up his phone to capture life's precious moments. 

With a thirst for knowledge and a determination to hone his skills, he turned to YouTube tutorials to learn the ropes of operating a DSLR camera, borrowed from a friend. "That's how my professional photography journey began," Kwesi Arkoh reminisces,

Expectedly, this passion-driven abilities have attracted big brands such as MTN, Infinix, Uber and TECNO whose assignment briefs he nailed effortlessly. And ooh! Riel Films is where Kwesi Arko honed his filmmaking skills.  Needless to say, that they did a fine job at refining the raw gem in him.

Before finding his true calling in sports and wildlife photography, Kwesi Arko dabbled in capturing life's precious moments through weddings, portraits, and commercials. 

However, despite his success, he felt a lingering sense of unfulfillment. He took a bold step, selling all his equipment to restart his journey. 

But, as fate would have it, his passion for photography only intensified. Now, as a FIFA, CAF, and AFC accredited sports photographer, Kwesi's attention to detail is his crowning glory.

As part of his profile, Kwesi Arko loves to be described as a professional photographer specialising in sports and wildlife photography. 

“I have a keen eye for detail and a passion for capturing the raw beauty of nature and the intensity of athletic competitions. My work brings moments of breathtaking action and serene wilderness to life,” he said.

His portfolio showcases an impressive range of dynamic sports scenes and stunning wildlife images, each telling a unique and powerful story. Through his lens, Kwesi Arko invites viewers to experience the thrill of the game and the majesty of the natural world.

Among the tournaments that Kwesi Arko has had the privilege of covering are; #WAFUBU17 Championship in Accra, the women's FA Cup final, the Ghana women's premier league final, and the FIFA World Cup qualifier between Ghana Black Stars and Central African Republic.

With a 5-year-old career that has taken him to places across Ghana and abroad, Kwesi Arko told Graphic Showbiz that his dream is to cover the World Cup.

“In the next 5 years, I see myself covering the World Cup and other big sporting events,” Kwesi Arko stated.