This is the first edition of the competition where the prizes were awarded.

The awardees, Mr Caleb Nii Addo Vanderpuije, the Overall Winner, took home a camera and a tripod, Mr Kwabena Asamoah Osei, 1st Runner Up received a Samsung Cellphone and tripod and Miss Zainab Abass Mohammed, 2nd Runner Up also took home a Samsung Cellphone and tripod.

The National Heritage Photo Competition Awards was institutionalised by Madam. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizlsation (UNESCO).

The awards scheme which targets young Ghanaians under 25 years of age, is to encourage them to explore Ghana’s heritage not only through books and oral tradition but also through the power of visual storytelling.

The awardees had gone through rigorous selection processes with several other entrants across the country and had exhibited their dexterity in telling Ghana’s story with pictures that depicted and promoted cultural heritage before emerging as the first, second and third best photographers.

Mr Vanderpuije, the Overall Winner topped the competition with a picture of the Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu II, in an iconic handshake and exchange of pleasantries with King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse during the former’s historic Royal visit to the Ga State.

“I took that picture because it was a historical moment. Otumfour Sir Osei Tutu Agyemang Prempeh II visited the then Ga Mantse in 1946. My pictures were to promote Ghana’s heritage and culture and I saw a particular one to be good and that won me the award,” he said

Mr Vanderpuije said: “Winning the award is motivating because there are no such events that help photographers. I want to create more pictures and so the public should be looking out for more collections that promote our culture and heritage.”

Madam Gomashie in an address, said the government’s agenda was to unearth new opportunities for tourism and new talents in the culture and creative space, adding that the recognition would propel the awardees to greater heights in their creative journey and the creative ecosystem.

“We believe that the creative arts are not just a form of expression but a powerful tool for education, tourism and economic transformation.

The images did not only show technical skill and creativity but also conveyed emotion, history and a deep appreciation of Ghana’s cultural wealth,” she said.

The Minister said: “To our winners, your work speaks volumes, you have not only told your own stories but you have also helped tell Ghana’s story and for that we are immensely proud of you. Your contributions will be preserved as part of a national collection.”

Mr Edmond Moukala, Director of UNESCO Accra, said the competition was a reminder that heritage was not static but a dynamic, evolving and required course of nurturing.

“We encourage all of you, particularly the young minds to continue being active custodians of our heritage. We believe that by empowering individuals to engage deeply with their heritage, we collectively build stronger, more cohesive communities that contribute significantly to a more peaceful and understanding world,” he said