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SOMEONE SOMEWHERE BEYOND PHOTO EXHIBITION
Someone Somewhere Beyond
A Photo Reportage from the 16 Regions
In partnership with the French Embassy in Ghana and Alliance Française Accra, the James Barnor 95 Festival proudly presents Someone Somewhere Beyond: A Photo Reportage from the 16 Regions—a groundbreaking photography exhibition originally commissioned for last year’s landmark James Barnor 95 celebrations.
After its acclaimed 2024 debut, the exhibition now tours six of Ghana’s regions, having opened at internationally renowned artist Ibrahim Mahama’s Red Clay Studios on March 29. The project bridges generations by pairing Barnor’s enduring influence with bold new perspectives from 16 emerging photographers.
Curated by cultural historian Menenaba, Someone Somewhere Beyond features one rising artist from each of Ghana’s 16 regions. Through their lenses—shaped by Barnor’s revolutionary approach to documentary photography—they capture the textures of everyday life, from bustling markets to intimate rituals. Together, the works affirm both regional diversity and shared identity: a theme central to Barnor’s six-decade career.
Date: Saturday, 4 October 2025
Venue: Alliance Française Grounds
Time: 6 PM GMT
BACKGROUND
Coinciding with James Barnor’s 95th birthday, the James Barnor 95 Festival took place across Ghana from May to June 2024. Conceived as an open dialogue between Barnor’s vast photographic archive and contemporary Ghanaian culture, the festival unfolded across galleries, public institutions, and outdoor spaces. Its program combined exhibitions, concerts, screenings, discussions, workshops, and installations—inviting a new generation of audiences to engage with the work of Ghana’s greatest living photographer.
Among its highlights was Someone Somewhere Beyond, now traveling nationwide to extend the festival’s spirit of dialogue and discovery.
CURATORIAL STATEMENT — Menenaba
At nearly 96, James Barnor’s legacy continues to shape the visual culture of Ghana and the world. His career has been defined by an ability to immortalize everyday life with profound dignity and artistry.
Someone Somewhere Beyond celebrates this monumental influence through the eyes of 16 young documentary photographers, each representing one of Ghana’s regions. Their collective work forms a portrait of the nation—capturing moments of joy, labor, ritual, and rest—that feels at once deeply local and universally human.
From the camaraderie of women at a funeral, to the playful exhaustion of children cycling to a dam, to the regal presence of a king seated in state, the exhibition opens a window into Ghana’s “family home”—a metaphor Barnor himself framed with unmatched grace.
The photographers’ reverence for Barnor is evident throughout. His techniques and vision have become so ingrained in Ghana’s photographic DNA that many absorbed his influence before they fully recognized it. Barnor’s ability to transform ordinary people into protagonists of their own stories remains alive in this new generation.
Through their unique voices, these 16 photographers reinterpret Barnor’s vision for a contemporary audience—documenting markets, festivals, landscapes, and intimate encounters. In doing so, they adorn the “home” Barnor opened to the world with fresh images of beauty, resilience, and belonging.
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHERS
001 — Michael Ekow Dawson
Green Gold, 2023
“While research points to the Upper East and the Northern part of Ghana as the most stricken by poverty, I have come to observe rich minerals on trees. This woman in Sapporo spends her time training the younger generation to embrace this agricultural wealth and create something out of it.”
Michael Ekow Dawson is a travel/documentary photographer with a creative focus deeply rooted in people, cultures, traditions, narratives, and communities. His vision is to create a photographic legacy that preserves the essence of individuals, their heritage, families, culture, and true identities across the African continent. Currently, Dawson is on a motorbike tour across 37 African countries, exploring and documenting the distinctive characteristics of Africans across the continent.
002 — Senanu Asante
Kickbox, 2018
“At the Accra Sports Stadium, the National Kickboxing team trains.”
Senanu Asante is a Kumasi-based Ghanaian photographer whose love for photography has transformed from a hobby into a flourishing career. With a passion for creativity, he is dedicated to exploring new techniques and perspectives. His portfolio spans portraiture, landscapes, and street photography, each crafted to evoke emotions and tell compelling stories.
003 — Agbongua Kwadwo Buenortey
Sisterhood in Sorrow, 2024
“Sisterhood in Sorrow: standing strong together. Ada-Foah Cemetery, 27 January, 2023.”
Abongua Kwadwo Buenortey is a Dansoman-born, Ada-raised filmmaker and photographer. Dividing his time between Accra and Ada, he seeks to rediscover and highlight cultural elements needing mainstream attention. His work uplifts his Dangme heritage and encourages deeper engagement with his community. He recently graduated from the Dikan Photography and Documentary Practice Program.
004 — Walter Wanye
Gologo, 2021
“The Talensi people of Tenzug in the Upper East region, through the Golib god of the Nnoo shrine, celebrate one of the rarest pre-harvest festivals in Ghana. Strict costumes are observed, including towels of different sizes and colors, knives, and triangular aprons. GOLOGO, marked by the third moon of the year, occurred in February 2021. This photograph was captured in Yinduri on February 28, 2021.”
Walter Wanye is a self-taught photographer passionate about capturing moments, emotions, and stories. Photography began as a childhood curiosity and has since grown into a purposeful artistic pursuit and lifelong journey.
005 — Jude Lartey
Untitled, 2023
“Untitled, Jamestown, Greater Accra Region, Ghana. 6th January, 2023.”
At just 24, Accra-based self-taught photographer Jude Lartey creates portraits with striking maturity. Also an art director and fashion stylist, his cinematic scenes explore the new identities, dreams, fashions, and evolutions of his generation. His work blends documentary and fashion-rooted photography, reflecting the contrasts and vibrancy of Accra’s creative community.
006 — Joseph Akolgo Nyaaba
Bazua Caravan, 2019
“A caravan from Niger crossing the Red Volta in the Upper East Region.”
Joseph Akologo Nyaaba is a freelance photographer specializing in documentary and wedding photography, with a passion for bird and wildlife photography. His mastery of natural light defines his style. With nine years of professional practice, he has served both individuals and companies.
007 — Kojo Ahadzie
Bottled Prayer, 2022
“A photograph taken during a libation ceremony in a Ga Adamgbe home as part of burial rites and rituals.”
Kojo Ahadzie is a young social photographer and filmmaker focusing on how Africans embrace positive change today. Based in Kwahu, he documents the people and places of his birthplace, known for its unique scenery and weather.
008 — Hannah Aidoo Amponsah
Kofi and Kofi, 2024
“Both boys are called Kofi Essel. Though unrelated, they became friends because of their shared name. I met them while getting off a boat on the Volta Lake on my way to Atimpoku, Eastern Region. 5th Feb, 2024.”
With over four years of street and event photography experience, Hannah Amponsah has a passion for capturing candid moments. She gravitates toward small towns and villages, spotlighting stories of everyday life. Occasionally venturing into videography, she ensures every interaction finds a place in her gallery.
009 — Christian Yakubu
Fiok Warriors, 2021
“A celebration of Fiok festival at Sandema in the Upper East Region of Ghana.”
At 25, Walewale-born Christian Yakubu documents traditional and religious cultures of his community. He also promotes hidden and known tourist sites in the North-East region of Ghana through digital media.
010 — Benjamin Cyril Arthur
Tea Time, 2023
“Hard work is often faceless. The real lives of African parties are those who cook, wash, and clean while guests enjoy themselves. And there is always piping hot gossip. These are my cousins in Cape Coast.”
Benjamin Cyril Arthur brings influences from writing and acrylic painting into his photography, emphasizing composition and detail. He seeks to interpret and share the beauty of everyday life, offering new perspectives on the ordinary.
011 — Daniel Nana Kwame Sekyi Attah
Held, 2023
“Boys holding hands during an assembly parade at school. Western Regional border town.”
Daniel Attah is a self-taught photo artist inspired by Ghanaian culture, landscapes, and people. Using his digital camera, he challenges stereotypes and invites viewers to appreciate the profound beauty of his storytelling.
012 — Solomon Tetteh Jnr.
Mothers’ Prayer, 2023
“TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE — Two mothers lay hands and pray for a young man at the beach during sunset. Taken at Nungua Beach, November, 2023.”
Founder of SolomonJnr Photography, Solomon Tetteh is a photography entrepreneur whose coverage of Ga traditional events has garnered a wide online following. His work frames Africa’s beauty through its people, culture, and landscapes.
013 — Kelvin Kojo Kafui Kwawukume
Fish Market, 2023
“Fish Market Day at Elmina. Shot on November 20, 2023.”
Moving between Takoradi and Accra, Kelvin Kwawukume shoots fashion, high art, and everyday life. He describes himself simply as a Ghana-based documentary and event photographer.
014 — Fibi Afloe
Ghalahi Dam Princesses, 2024
“Rhahima and Rhama fetch water from their community dam. Ghalahi-Tamale.”
Based in Tamale, documentary photographer Fibi Afloe grew up in Nima-Accra. She documents everyday life with themes of gender, climate change, and culture, drawing personal connections to the people and stories she captures.
015 — Barima Owusu-Nyantekyi
Asantehene and Busumuru, 2017
“Otumfuo Osei Tutu II receives homage from Kofi Annan, former Secretary–General of the United Nations, during the Doteyie of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaah Ampem II. Manhyia Palace, January 2017.”
Barima is a fine art photographer and communications expert whose Ashanti-British upbringing shapes his lens. His work raises thoughtful questions about global cultures, diasporas, and humanity.
016 — Kwasi Darko
Mmarima, 2023
“Young men in a music concert crowd. Gyakiti, December 2023.”
Living between Accra and Akosombo, Ghanaian photographer and multidisciplinary artist Kwasi Darko interprets local stories using research, digital tools, and design. His images negotiate community and identity, reflecting spaces of belonging and safety.