Ghanaian sculptor Madam Gladys Adinyira recently concluded a month-long art exhibition titled “A ‘Chorus’ to The Unsung Women” at the National Theatre, paying tribute to the market women who played pivotal roles in Ghana’s independence struggle. The exhibition honored figures such as Madam Rebecca Dedei Aryeetey, Madam Ayele Laryea, and Madam Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome, who supported Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of an independent Ghana.
The exhibition featured a collection of objects, including wooden crates, wide-brim straw hats, and cast coins, symbolizing the resilience and contributions of these women. The crates, representing their labor, and the straw hats, symbolizing their perseverance, highlighted the essential roles these market women played in fueling the revolutionary fervor of the time.
Madam Adinyira emphasized that the contributions of these women have been overlooked for too long, with their stories overshadowed by other political narratives. Through her art, she sought to revive these forgotten histories and encourage visitors to reflect on the unsung heroes who made significant sacrifices for Ghana’s independence.
Dr. Ossei Agyeman, a retired painter and lecturer, praised the exhibition for its portrayal of the complex interplay between personal and collective memory. He noted that the installation allowed the unsung heroes of history to receive their due recognition, reminding visitors that history is shaped not only by prominent figures but also by the quiet strength of individuals like these market women.