Let’s invest in photography to promote tourism – FYNNexhibitions Executive Director

A photographer and Executive Director of FYNNexhibits, Thomas Fynn, has asked government, ministries, departments and agencies, organizations and individuals to invest in photography to boost Ghana’s tourism industry.

He said through photography the country can project its rich culture and heritage and make it more visible to the rest of the world.

“You cannot market your country without photography,” Mr Fynn said, adding: “Photography speaks louder than a thousand words”.

He said this during the opening of a five-day photo exhibition entitled: “Spirit Possession”, which was held under the theme: “Celebrating Ghanaian Faces, African Culture and Heritage”.

The exhibition includes themes from ancient historical monuments through ecotourism to ethno-cultural presentations.

They include rites of passage in Ghana, chieftainship and traditional cultural festivals, traditional music and dance, cuisine, pristine beaches and landscapes, unique symbolism of political stability and unity, and socio-political history of Ghana.

The event is organized by Mr. Thomas Fynn in collaboration with Tom Lamb, a photographer based in the United States, and the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG).

The exhibition will take place at the forecourt of the CLOGSAG National Secretariat, Ministries, Accra, from Monday, April 22 to Friday, April 26.

Mr Fynn said most Ghanaians do not understand and appreciate the value of photography, making it difficult for people to invest in it, especially when it comes to sponsorship of photography exhibitions.

He encouraged young people to take up photography as a profession and persevere and persevere despite challenges so that they could excel in it.

He advised photographers to use digital technology to improve the quality and efficiency of their work and to use the backup mechanisms of digital technology to protect their works.

Ms Judith Kelly, Senior Corporate Affairs Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority, noted that photography served as a medium for Ghanaians to tell their stories by transcending language barriers, arousing curiosity and captivating the imagination of viewers.

“This exhibition should be seen not only as a display of artistic ingenuity, but as a powerful tool to promote Ghana as a destination of choice. It is a way to tell the world how special our culture is and invite tourists to our shores explore and experience our hospitality,” she said.

She said photo exhibitions helped promote dialogue, exchange and cooperation, leading to partnerships to further strengthen the country’s tourism sector.

“Let us continue to support and encourage initiatives like this exhibition so that we can ensure that Ghana remains a beacon of cultural wealth and natural splendor for generations to come,” she said.

Mr. William Kojo Krakani, Deputy Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, emphasized that the homeland is the foundation of any culture and to promote tourism, the country’s culture must be promoted at the home level.

He said parents especially need to teach their children local languages, foods and other elements of indigenous culture to prevent them from becoming extinct.

By preserving local culture, Ghanaians would have much to offer the world through tourism, he noted. Nii Ayikwei Kakalor I, Kokomlemle Mantse, who delivered a message on behalf of Dr. Nii Ayi Bonte II, Gbese Mantse, expressed the hope that the exhibition would project Ghana’s rich culture to the larger international community.

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