A five-day photographic exhibition dubbed “Spirit Possession”, organized by Thomas Appleton Lamb (USA) and Thomas Fynn (Tom & Tom) has been opened in Accra .
The event which began from Monday, 22nd April to Friday, 26th April, 2024 is under the auspices of FYNNexhibits is currently taking place at the Civil and Local Government Staff Association National Headquarters, Ministries in Accra.
The exhibition, is in accordance with OCCCA’s recognition of the importance of social engagement, global networking, intellectual exchange, information sharing, critical dialogue and collaboration.
In a welcome address, Mr. Thomas Fynn, the Executive Director of FYNNexhibits disclosed that, as part of preparations to mark the 2024 OCCCA exhibit in California USA, Tom & Tom embarked on a 14-day tour of six regions of Ghana in June 2023. The regions included; Greater Accra, Ashanti, Northern, Central, Western and Eastern Regions.
This he indicated, was achieved with support from the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, Ghana Tourism Authority and the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG).
“Spirit Possession” according to Mr. Thomas Fynn, is a non-profit corporation and is opened to the public.
In addition, it also maintains free general admission which is dedicated to the pursuit of professional excellence and freedom of expression in the Creative Arts Industry.
In light of the above-mentioned past and persistent accomplishments as well as cooperation by FYNNexhibits over the years, Thomas Lamb and Thomas Fynn, are hopeful that the media would use its good office to make the upcoming event a success.
Tom & Tom are optimistic that the event would make a greater impact on the country as a whole through media coverage, before, during and after the event.
This would evoke a deeper understanding and appreciation of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage among local and international patrons.
“Spirit Possession” Photographic Exhibition by Tom and Tom, would feature different sub-themes from Ancient Historic Monuments through Eco-Tourism to Ethno-Cultural Presentations as follows;
• The Rites of Passage in Ghana.
• Chieftaincy and Traditional Cultural Festivals of Ghana.
• Ghanaian Traditional Music and Dance.
• Ghanaian Traditional Cuisine.
• African Culture.
• Pristine Beaches and Landscapes.
• Unique Symbolism of Political Stability and Unity.
• Socio-political history of Ghana spanning the period of independence to date.
Thomas Fynn has nearly 5 decades of experience as an international prolific photographer who has contributed immensely towards the promotion of tourism in the country. His achievements run through the coverage and production of photographs of socio-economic events, including tourism and investment promotion projects.
Thomas Appleton Lamb and Thomas Fynn, have been jointly cooperating over the last thirty years. They were engaged by USAID to undertake a foundational photographic survey in 1990, for the establishment of Kakum National Park, Cape Coast, as tourists’ site.
Fynn’s collaboration with US ecotourism expert, Tom Lamb, has led to the development of various projects aimed at promoting tourism in the Central Region of Ghana.
FYNNexhibits, is dedicated to capturing the essence of Ghanaian culture and heritage which is evident in past exhibitions, and have received admiration and recognition from both local and international audiences. These include; PANAFEST 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999 and 2001.
In 2003, photographic exhibition by FYNNexhibits was in collaboration with PANAFEST Foundation under the theme “A Decade of Reflection’’ of PANAFEST at Palaver Hall, Cape Coast Castle, Central Region.
In 2019, FYNNexhibits mounted an exhibition PANAFEST/ Emancipation Day celebrations and the “Year of Return” for Africans in the Diaspora.
Over the years, renowned personalities have described Thomas Fynn as unsung intellectual. These include the likes of; Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the Omanhen of Essikadu Traditional Area; Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Omanhen of Oguaa Traditional Area; Dr. Amos Anyimadu, a former Political Science Lecturer, University of Ghana; and the late Mr. Adjetey Dsane, a Veteran Broadcast Journalist.
On his part, Nii Ayi-Bonte II, Paramount Chief of Gbese Traditional Area and the Adonten of the Ga State commend the organizers and promoters of the 5-day photographic exhibition dubbed “SPIRIT POSSESSION” saying, it reficcts always in the Ga MASHIE TWIN FESTIVAL every year and in the Homowo Festivities and annual Homowo Festival.
