The Antique Lemonade Arts Foundation on Monday officially launched its much-anticipated legacy blog, Ghananipa, at a press event attended by media professionals and esteemed guests.
The initiative, described as a “never-ending project,” aims to document the lives and contributions of Ghanaians who have made a lasting impact on their communities and the nation at large.
Speaking at the event, Chair of the Antique Lemonade Arts Foundation, Franka-Maria Andoh, traced the origins of Ghananipa to a 2023 art gallery event that highlighted the scarcity of accessible information about Ghanaian cultural pioneers.
She shared a poignant example of Bob Cole, the legendary actor and composer, whose story remains largely untold despite his significant contributions to the arts.
“It took such effort to uncover that Bob Cole, whose real name was Michael Amissah, studied classical music in Italy and was also a composer,” she noted.
The Ghananipa platform, however, does not limit itself to the well-known. It seeks to document the lives of everyday Ghanaians who have quietly shaped their communities.
Citing an example, Andoh recalled the late Mrs. Doris Anin, a former Director of the Ghana Society for the Blind.
Through the lens of her legacy, Andoh highlighted the need to celebrate individuals like Mrs. Anin, whose advocacy created opportunities for blind students to pursue higher education.
The project also has a personal dimension for Andoh, who detailed her joy in uncovering her own family’s rich history.
From her father, who attended Achimota School with the support of Ghana’s first engineer, Dr. R.P. Baffour, to her cousin, Dr. Elizabeth Otoo Forbes, a renowned immunologist, Andoh emphasized the importance of preserving these stories as part of the nation’s heritage.
A Legacy for All Generations
Ghananipa invites contributions from the public to expand its repository of stories. Families, schools, and individuals are encouraged to share research, corrections, and narratives.
The project also aims to inspire young people to delve into their own family histories, nurturing a sense of identity and responsibility.
“We see it as a reminder of past times and a way to measure ourselves in the present,” Andoh explained. “Are we better people, or are there old values we have lost along the way and need to restore?”
With its launch, Ghananipa sets out to serve as a vital cultural archive for generations to come.
By preserving the legacies of both celebrated and unsung heroes, the platform aspires to remind Ghanaians of the values and contributions that define their shared heritage.
The event concluded with a heartfelt appreciation to all present, as Andoh reiterated the foundation’s commitment to ensuring that the stories of Ghana’s people remain accessible and celebrated.
For more information, visit www.ghananipa.com.
