Accra: Three young non-professional photographers have been adjudged winners of the 2025 National Heritage Photo Competition Awards. This marks the first edition of the competition where prizes were awarded.
According to Ghana News Agency, the awardees included Mr. Caleb Nii Addo Vanderpuije, the Overall Winner, who received a camera and a tripod. Mr. Kwabena Asamoah Osei, the 1st Runner Up, was awarded a Samsung Cellphone and tripod, while Miss Zainab Abass Mohammed, the 2nd Runner Up, also took home a Samsung Cellphone and tripod.
The National Heritage Photo Competition Awards was institutionalized by Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The awards aim to encourage young Ghanaians under 25 to explore Ghana's heritage through visual storytelling.
The competition involved a rigorous selection process where participants showcased their ability to tell Ghana's story through pictures depicting and promoting cultural heritage. Mr. Vanderpuije captured the winning photo featuring the Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu II, in a handshake with King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II during a historic Royal visit to the Ga State.
Mr. Vanderpuije expressed his motivation to continue creating pictures that promote Ghana's culture and heritage, highlighting the lack of such events for photographers. He urged the public to look forward to more of his work.
Madam Gomashie emphasized the government's agenda to explore new opportunities in tourism, culture, and the creative arts. She noted that the recognition would propel the awardees to greater heights in their creative journey.
The Minister stated that the creative arts are a powerful tool for education, tourism, and economic transformation, expressing pride in the winners for helping to tell Ghana's story. Their work will be preserved as part of a national collection.
Mr. Edmond Moukala, Director of UNESCO Accra, remarked on the dynamic nature of heritage, encouraging young minds to be active custodians. He stressed that engaging with heritage can build stronger communities contributing to a more peaceful world.
