Renowned filmmaker Mr Kwaw Paintsil Ansah has been honoured for his contribution to storytelling and cultural advocacy in Ghana and beyond.
La Foundation for the Arts (LAFA), a non‑governmental organisation, presented him with the Ghana Film Legend Award at a ceremony in Accra on Friday.
The organisers, praising Mr Kwaw Ansah’s rare artistry and enduring impact, described his productions as “a lasting testament to the power of film as cultural record and social conscience.”
The citation noted: “His films illuminate Ghana’s cultural inheritance and the wider African experience, safeguarding memory while courageously challenging societal conventions.
“Beyond his artistic achievements, Mr Ansah has remained a principled and compassionate advocate for women and marginalised communities.
“His unwavering commitment to equity, representation and human dignity has expanded cultural discourse and amplified voices too often left unheard,” it said.
Mr Ansah is celebrated for works including Praising the Lord Plus One, The Good Old Days: Papa Lasisi Good Bicycle, Heritage Africa, Harvest at 17, The Good Old Days: Suffering to Lose, and Love Brewed in the African Pot.
Born at Agona Swedru in the Central Region, he studied Theatre Design at the London Polytechnic and later Performing Arts at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York from 1963 to 1965.
On his return to Ghana, he became an executive member of the Ghana Drama Association and the Film Guild of Ghana, and in 1977 established Film Africa Limited.
The 84‑year‑old, speaking at the event, thanked LAFA for the recognition, saying: “[With this award] I am always being reminded that there is more work to be done… until my last breath I will contribute the little I have been endowed with to lay the foundation so that Africa will continue to rise.”
Professor Kojo Yankah, Founder of the African University College of Communication, commended Mr Ansah’s passion, creativity, professionalism and pan‑African spirit.
He said projects such as the Bisa Aberewa Museum, built by the filmmaker, should be preserved for future generations.
“Let us not say we did not have people to awaken the passion Kwaw Ansah had… With this event, let’s have more people of courage, vision, passion and commitment to easing ignorance about Ghana and Africa and let’s be people who are concerned about heritage,” he noted.
Mr Carl Ampah, National Professional Officer of UNESCO, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding heritage and preserving cultural diversity, urging more support for creators and cultural institutions.
Ms Marain Mante, Head of Public Relations at UNIMAC‑IFT, speaking on behalf of the Vice‑Chancellor, lauded Mr Ansah for laying intellectual, artistic and ideological foundations for African cinema.
“Kwaw Ansah did not simply make films, he made statements; he did not wait to tell African stories with depth, dignity and authority. At a time when African narratives were marginalised or distorted, he insisted on authenticity. He demonstrated that African cinema could be technically accomplished, culturally rooted and globally resonate without compromise,” she said:
She said that UNIMAC would continue to partner LAFA and other stakeholders to preserve African heritage through filmmaking.
Ms Safoa Aisha Cablye, LAFA Founder and Managing Partner, said similar honours would be extended to other creatives who continue to tell inspiring African stories.
Dr Francis Osei Blay, President of LAFA, said the organisation focuses on heritage and arts, creative innovation, community engagement and education.
He noted that through exhibitions, honours programmes, public dialogues and collaborations, LAFA drives cultural preservation and strengthens Ghana’s creative economy.
