Swiss Embassy Hosts Ghanaian Artworks

By William Yaw Owusu

Saturday October 3, 2009
As part of the effort to preserve and promote the country’s cultural heritage, the Switzerland Embassy has re-opened its Economic Section with an exhibition of artworks and paintings of major Ghanaian artists.

The move forms part of a one-year cooperation between the embassy and the Nubuke Foundation, a Ghanaian organization which records, preserves and promotes the country’s history and cultural heritage through arts and paintings.

Re-opening the section, the Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Nicolas Lang said art is the main feature of the character of a nation which must be strengthened.

“Art forms the backbone of the identity of a people. It has become a very competitive venture and we must take advantage of it to harness the country’s rich cultural diversity.”

The Ambassador said elsewhere in Europe, there is a huge investment in arts and paintings and that could easily be replicated here in Ghana in order to reap the enormous benefits that come with it.

He called on wealthy organizations and individuals to join the effort to promote arts and paintings and not expect the government alone to do it.

Martin Saladin, Counsellor and Economic Advisor of the embassy said in the effort to invest and promote economic cooperation between the two countries, the cultural heritage of the countries must be harnessed to the benefit of the people.

He said as the chair of this year’s Multi Donor Budget Support (MDBS), Switzerland will continue to play a leading role to ensure a sound economic development leading to greater wealth creation in Ghana.

“Ghana is one of the seven countries worldwide where Switzerland is focusing its cooperation to bring about accelerated development and I can say that we have not had any regrets.”

Odile Agyare, a Director at the Nubuke Foundation said they are committed to promoting and turning the country’s cultural heritage into and economic venture through arts and paintings.