By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, Aug. 31, GNA – Ghanaian artists, athletes, collectors and cultural stakeholders have been urged to take a more deliberate approach to collecting and preserving cultural artefacts and memorabilia that document the country’s rich history and identity.
The call was made by Mr Jerry Biscoffe, Founder of SilverGrade Collectors Manifesto, an initiative aimed at promoting the preservation, documentation and authentication of Ghana’s cultural, music and sports heritage.
Speaking at the media launch, Mr Biscoffe questioned why many Ghanaians were not intentional about preserving items that tell the nation’s story.
“Why are we, as a people, not intentional about preserving and collecting things that tell our story?” he asked.
“Ghana has a rich cultural history and has produced remarkable artists, sportsmen, entrepreneurs and other influential personalities whose journeys have shaped the national narrative. Yet much of the physical evidence of these achievements can disappear quietly over time.”
According to him, many artefacts and memorabilia often go unrecognised until years later when their historical significance becomes apparent.
“We often do not know the historical value of certain items until history has passed,” he said. “We cannot build a better future while neglecting the evidence of the past. Our cultural memory is vital to the future we intend to build because these cultural artefacts provide tangible references through which future generations can understand who we were and what we achieved.”
Mr Biscoffe stressed that collecting memorabilia should be viewed not merely as a hobby but as a responsibility to preserve the nation’s collective memory.
He noted that while Ghana’s creative and sporting ecosystems continue to develop, there remains a significant gap in the preservation and authentication of historical items linked to the country’s music and sporting achievements.
“While our ecosystem continues to grow, there remains a gap in the systematic preservation, documentation and authentication of music and sports memorabilia,” he said.
“The Collectors Manifesto is a response to that gap. It seeks to encourage individuals, institutions and stakeholders to recognise the value of preserving cultural objects and historical materials before they are lost forever.”
Legendary Highlife musician Amandzeba Nat Brew, who was the Special Guest for the launch underscored the importance of safeguarding African stories and experiences for future generations.
“I don’t think we must labour too hard to explain who we are as Africans,” he said. “What is important is that we preserve and share our experiences, knowledge and cultural heritage so that future generations can learn from them and appreciate where they come from.”
He encouraged artists and cultural practitioners to cultivate the habit of keeping records, artefacts and personal archives that can contribute to the documentation of Ghana’s creative and historical legacy.
As part of the initiative, an art exhibition showcasing selected collections would be held from October 2 to 4, 2026, while an auction of memorabilia and artefacts is scheduled for November 14, 2026.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon AsareÂ
[email protected]Â