Italian artist Francesco Ferreri and students of Achimota School have unveiled a mural honouring Kofi Antubam, the pioneering Ghanaian artist who served as an official state artist under President Kwame Nkrumah.
The art unveiling forms part of a cultural exchange programme aimed at strengthening artistic collaboration between Ghana and Italy.
The mural was unveiled on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Achimota School as part of Artitude 2026, a six-day programme that brought together artists, students and cultural organisations from Ghana, Italy and Rwanda for creative workshops, exhibitions, film screenings and discussions on arts education.
Ferreri, known professionally as Chekos’ art, worked with students to create the mural celebrating Antubam’s contribution to Ghanaian art and national identity.
Antubam, who was appointed an official state artist in 1957, was among the country’s pioneering modern artists. Through his paintings, murals and mosaics, he promoted the representation of African cultural traditions in modern art. His connection to Achimota School, where he received part of his artistic education, adds significance to the tribute.
The mural formed part of a broader collaboration involving Ghanaian nonprofit ArtLife Matters, Italian cultural organisation Ramdom APS and other cultural and educational partners, with support from Italy’s Apulia region.
The programme culminated in the inauguration of the Artitude Creative Library, a cultural resource initiative designed to broaden access to artistic knowledge, learning materials and creative opportunities, particularly for young people and underserved communities.
Activities throughout the week included practical workshops, artistic installations, an art talk and film screening, alongside discussions on how arts education can better prepare students for professional opportunities in the creative economy.
Italian Ambassador to Ghana Laura Ranalli attended the unveiling and highlighted the role of cultural initiatives in building bridges between Ghana and Italy. The collaboration combines Italian and Ghanaian artistic experiences while creating opportunities for students to learn from practising artists and engage with different creative traditions.
Beyond the mural, the programme seeks to sustain cultural exchange through education, mentorship and access to creative resources, connecting artistic heritage with opportunities for a new generation of artists.
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