Oku Ampofo

Born, 1908 in Ghana. Died, 1998

From the catalogue Commonwealth Artists of Fame 1952 - 1977 (Commonwealth Art Gallery, London, 1 June - 3 July 1977):

“In 1932 Ampofo won the first Gold Coast Government medical scholarship from Achimota University College and went to Edinburgh to study medicine. He remained at the University and Royal Colleges until 1939 and also studied sculpture at Edinburgh School of Art. From 1940 - 1961 he pratised medicine and in 1962 was appointed senior physician at Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital in Mampong-Akuapim. in 1973 he was appointed Director of the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine by the Ghana Government and he is also at present an advisor to the World Health Organisation on traditional medicine in Africa.

Throughout his medical practice Doctor Oku Amofo has pursued cultural activities, organising the first national art exhibition in Ghana (Gold Coast) in 1946. In 1955 he was a founder member of  Akuapim Six, the first art society in the country, and in 1958 he became a member of the Ghana Arts Council, of which he was Chairman from 1969 - 1971. At present he is Chairman of the Ghana Musems and Monuments Board. His work has been exhibited throughout the world.”

»  Commonwealth Artists of Fame 1952 - 1977 - catalogue

Catalogue relating to an exhibition, 1977