e-Ananse library celebrates first Ghanaian photojournalist

e-Ananse Library organized a grand "Durbar and Cultural Celebration" to honor the legacy of the legendary photographer, James Barnor.

James Barnor, the first Ghanaian photojournalist, has significantly influenced the scope of traditional and contemporary photography with his extraordinary work. Now 95 years old, Barnor was the photographer for the late former President Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

The grand durbar, held over the weekend at e-Ananse Library in East Legon, commemorated the 'James Barnor at 95 Festival.' The event attracted many high-profile dignitaries from the art industry, who attended amidst pomp and pageantry.

Gyankromah Akufo-Addo, the daughter of Ghana's president and the Director of the Creative Arts Industry, also graced the occasion.

Other high-profile dignitaries present included Dr. Prof. El Anatsui, Prof. Ablade Glover, Victor Butler, Willie Fugah, Wiz Kudowor, Edem Dei-Tutu (representing UNESCO Ghana), Kate Tamakloe (granddaughter of J.K. Bruce-Vanderpuije), and Ms. Valentina Mintah, Founder of e-Ananse Library.

The legendary photographer's youngest fans from Jack and Jill School, North Legon School Complex, Expo Best Child School, and Witty Kids International School attended the event to celebrate him.

James Barnor was accompanied by Lisa Lovett-Smith (James Barnor 95 Festival Producer), Clémentine de la Féronnière, and the festival organizing team.

Before the performances began, guests participated in hands-on activities, drumming, and singing with Abibigromma from the University of Ghana School of Performing Arts, and engaged in a digital photo exhibition showcasing Barnor's iconic works.

The audience enjoyed a poetry recital by Akusika, an uplifting high-life music performance by Kwanpa Band, and a mesmerizing cultural performance by Abibigromma. There was also a conversation with James Barnor, led by Twinsdntbeg, which provided a captivating glimpse into his illustrious photography career.

Mr. Barnor expressed his heartfelt gratitude to e-Ananse Library for organizing the durbar to celebrate him and his works.

About James Barnor

James Barnor, born in Accra in 1929, is a Ghanaian photographer whose career has spanned more than six decades. He became the country's first photojournalist for the Daily Graphic and is internationally recognized for photographing major social, cultural, and political developments across Ghana and England.

e-Ananse Library was established to revitalize Ghana's reading culture and provide access to high-quality contemporary literature, state-of-the-art internet-enabled computing facilities, and world-class literary events, all while preserving Ghanaian storytelling heritage.

With a unique focus on African heritage and identity, the library features books primarily written by writers of African descent.

Founded in 2019 by Ms. Valentina Mintah, e-Ananse Library offers culturally relevant resources that celebrate African heritage, embodying the mantra, "Think Global; Know Local."