Kwabena Owusu Danquah. Women in galamsey. 2023. 51cm x 66cm. Dept. of Textiles & Fashion Educ. University of Education, Winneba
In the heart of Ghana, where rivers meander and nature's beauty thrive, a tale unfolds—a tale of Galamsay's relentless toll on this cherished land. As I wandered through this once-pristine expanse, I couldn't ignore the dreadful blow inflicted by Galamsay which has turned once fertile fields into barren streams, and the earth, once rich and abundant, now bore the scars of ceaseless digging and dredging for precious gold mineral.
Ecosystems wept, and creatures including flora and funa, and aquatic life mourned in the wake of this devastation caused by Galamsay (illegal mining). Using the delicate art of embroidery, I discovered a powerful means to tell our story. With threads and fabric, I embarked on a mission to educate the world about the harm inflicted by Galamsay. With stitch by stitch, I wove a narrative of ecosystems that contribute to endangering lives of creatures. I have depicted women-collaborators who also get involved in the galamsay menance in search for alternative livelihood.
Kwabena Owusu Dankwa was born in the city of Sunyani. Hailing from the culturally rich Ashanti Bekwai town, his journey through academia led him to the University of Education Winneba, where he dedicated himself to the pursuit of knowledge textiles and fashion. As a final-year student, Kwabena has been immersed in the world of creativity within the Department of Textile and Fashion. His heart beats to the rhythm of art, and he finds inspiration in every facet of artistic expression. However, it is within the realm of fashion that his deepest passions lie.