Dikan Centre
Ghana’s first photography gallery showcases the best of the medium as well as teaching a new generation of photographers. Sarah Jones writes
The proud, fierce gaze of a Ghanaian woman dressed in black draws the viewer’s eye. She looks poised, dignified and seemingly indifferent to the throngs that herald her arrival. A man, a flash of orange that contrasts the black clothing of the crowds, holds a parasol above her head in an act of respect and deference. The woman confidently carries a large, unwieldy gun, the same gun that was used by her great-grandmother in the war of Asante independence against Britain.
A low angle shot shows Barack Obama from behind, standing at a rostrum and waving to crowds which are invisible to us. Even from his silhouetted outline, the atmosphere of anticipation and mutual joy are palpable. He is flanked on both sides by flags of the United States of America and Ghana, flags also ring the venue and form the proud backdrop to the photograph. At once public and private, the photograph pulsates with emotion and life.
A third shot takes as its subject two smartly dressed Ghanaian boys, both in neatly pressed khaki trousers and shirts. They too, are the disinterested subjects of the photographs. They are too immersed in their own craft, both absolutely focused on catching the perfect shot and outdoing one another with their skill.
These photographs capture the diversity and core values of the Dikan Center. The photography culture in Ghana is as full of hope and promise as its fledgling students. When it opened in December 2022, the Dikan Center was the first photography gallery in Ghana, and it celebrated its first graduation ceremony on 9th December 2023. No wonder the name Dikan, meaning ‘to take the lead’, was chosen.
Founder, Paul Ninson, studied photography, filmmaking, museum management and archiving at the International Center of Photography in New York. He chose to return to Ghana in order to build the infrastructure and create opportunities to help the photography industry flourish in his homeland. He is driven by a belief in the potency of photography to change people’s lives and as a means for delivering important stories that drive change.
The centre prides itself on its inclusivity. Showcasing its values, the gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions, from a celebration of the Asante kingdom to an exhibition of Pete Souza’s (former official White House photographer) unique photographic study of Barack Obama, his first visit to Africa. These are all accessible, free of charge, to any passing visitor.
For those with more than a passing interest, the enticingly named Story Lab and education room can be accessed by adults or schools, the equipment needed to film, photograph and edit is also available for public use. There is also a developing collection of photography books available for reference, many of which are unavailable in university libraries.
For students looking to make a career in photography, the centre offers exciting, diverse workshops. These are designed to challenge assumptions of the past and inspire a new generation of Ghanaians to make an impact on their audiences, no matter how large or small. One such student is Agyeibea Asare-Boye, who took part in Dikan’s Photojournalism and Documentary Practice program. In an Instagram post, she speaks of overcoming a history of the suppression of women in the African photojournalism industry. She also praises the crucial role the Dikan Center provides in empowering African women to build careers in photography.
Celebrating Ghanaian culture, challenging past assumptions and channeling the potential of future generations are all ambitions which are brought into sharp focus in this airy, welcoming space.
Entrance for the library and gallery is free, with no membership required. To find out more about educational opportunities and workshops contact: education@dikancenter.org
Dikan Center, L3 Third Kaajaano Street, South La Estate (+233 598282819).
@dikangallery
