Andrew Nii Noye launches photobook on Damba and Oguaa Fetu Afahye festivals

Ghanaian photographer Andrew Nii Noye has officially launched a new photobook titled "From Cape Coast to Dagbon: A Visual Journey Through Ghana’s Heritage" at a ceremony held at the British Council in Accra. The publication serves as a comprehensive visual record of two of the country's most prominent cultural celebrations: the Damba Festival in Dagbon and the Oguaa Fetu Afahye in Cape Coast. Edited by Dr. Patricia Serwaa Afrifa, the book aims to document traditional ceremonies and the unique stories that define the identities of these respective communities.

During the launch, Nii Noye emphasized that the project was born out of a need to look beyond the colorful aesthetics of festivals to capture their deep-seated historical and social meanings. He noted that such documentation is essential for complementing existing cultural archives and preserving significant moments in time. The book includes poignant imagery, such as moments involving the late Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II captured during the Damba festival, ensuring that these historical snapshots are secured for posterity.

The initiative received high praise from key public figures, including Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, the Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, and Member of Parliament Dr. Stephen Amoah. Both leaders highlighted the vital role that such documentation plays in strengthening national identity and supporting the country’s tourism sector. They remarked that the project is particularly important for engaging younger Ghanaians, encouraging them to appreciate and protect their own heritage in the face of increasing global cultural influences.

By providing a tangible record of Ghanaian traditions, the photobook is expected to serve as both an educational resource and a strategic tool for cultural preservation. The launch event also attracted international interest, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of documenting West African cultural history. The project stands as a call to action for other creators to contribute to the preservation of Ghana’s diverse cultural landscape, ensuring that traditional practices remain a living part of the national story.