Let’s infuse culture in national development— Fritz Baffour

Communications consultant and former Member of Parliament, Mr Fritz Baffour, has said that without an active cultural component in the national fabric, no nation can develop to its highest capabilities.

According to him, the greatest societies and civilisations in the history of mankind had been defined by their artistic and creative output.

“Today when we think of ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, Zimbabwe, Benin and China, just to name a few, what endures as evidence of their magnitude of greatness and highest level of human endeavour are the great works of art and monuments that are physically present to this day,” Mr Baffour stated.

Ghana club

Mr Baffour said this at the Ghana Club in Accra last Tuesday during the opening of an art exhibition themed Independence Vibes, which forms part of the famous club’s activities to mark the nation’s 63rd independence anniversary.

Well-known Ghanaian artists, Wiz Kudowor and Sami Bentil, have 23 works in the exhibition which lasts till March 31.

Mr Baffour described the artists as pathfinders whose creativity and artistic integrity were imbued in their paintings.

He urged everyone to support them and other artists in every possible way because creativity required sustenance.

“Despite the fact that Ghanaians are still struggling to forge a sustained national identity and effectively prosecute the way forward as a viable and vibrant entity worth living and dying for, I still have faith and hope in the immense treasure trove of talent in every sphere of our society waiting to be tapped for our overall good and progress,” the former Member of Parliament added.

Tradition

Dr Nii Odoi Oddoye, the President of the Ghana Club, which was founded in 1947, also pointed out that it had been its tradition to encourage members to show their expertise in different activities and also mentor young ones on what they could do and how to do it well.

He said he had known the two artists for over three decades and was glad they were still coming up with amazing paintings and always encouraging younger artists to reach higher heights.

The artists paid tribute to some personalities who had greatly supported them on their artistic journeys and they include Oblempong Nii Kojo Ababio V and his wife Florence (both deceased), Professor Atukwei Okai and the professors at the College of Art, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, who helped to hone their skills.

It was a relaxed convivial atmosphere at the opening of the art exhibition with enough for guests to sip at and nibble.

Other artists present on the night to support their colleagues included Kofi Dawson, Amarkine Amarteifio, Larry Otoo, Nii T. Mills, Orlando Baeta, Harrunna Attah and Ben Agbee.