Osagyefo Awards For Indigenous Creativity Slated For September

As part of activities to mark Dr. Kwame Nkrumah�s 104th birthday anniversary this year, an awards scheme dubbed �Osagyefo Awards for Indigenous Creativity�, has been instituted to climax the celebration. Expected to be held on September 21, it is to honour outstanding citizens who have made immense contributions to various aspects of life in this country. Organised by the Centre for Communication and Culture, a non-governmental organisation in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the Osagyefo Awards would serve as a platform to recognise the contribution of creative geniuses in arts and culture, governance, chieftaincy, religion, science and technology, engineering, architecture and medicine. A statement from the organisers indicated that a 12 - member board had been formed to oversee the selection of the winners. They are Professor Akosua Adomako Ampofo, Director of the Institute of African Studies; Professor Esi Sutherland-Addy, a lecturer and co-convenor of the Ghana Culture Forum; Dr Nortey Duah, a clinical psychologist; Mr Akunu Dake, Executive Director, Heritage Development; Mr Kwame Sefa Kayi, a broadcast journalist, Shamima Muslim, anchor of Citi FM�s �Eyewitness News� and Mr Bice Osei Kuffuor (aka Obuor), President of the Musicians Union of Ghana. Others are Madam Adwoa Paintsil, water quality specialist with the Water Resources Commission; Professor Nii Yartey, lecturer at the University of Ghana; Mr Mike Amon Kwafo, Director of Television at GBC; Mr Michael Attipoe, Director at the National Commission on Culture; Alhaji Haruna Attah, a journalist and visual artist and Mr Fiifi Banson, a sports journalist and host of the Drive Time programme on Peace FM. The statement noted that a research team was formed over four months ago to conduct a nationwide survey and eight regions have so far been covered. Names of eligible winners would be submitted to the selection board. The selection board is, however, not bound to work with the final report submitted. �It will, however, undoubtedly guide it to know the personalities and institutions that are on the hearts and minds of the people of Ghana,� the statement said.