NKYINKYIM: The Creation of an African Museum | Kwame Akoto Bamfo | TEDxAccra

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 05:36:16 +0100

Museums have long been unwelcoming or intimidating spaces for many, particularly ordinary Africans. In this powerful talk, Kwame Akoto Bamfo reimagines the museum experience through the lens of African heritage and community engagement. By embracing change as a constant force, Kwame demonstrates how interactive art and inclusive spaces can serve as healing, dialogue, and transformation mediums.

Through his work, he challenges traditional perceptions of museums and invites communities to reconnect with their identity and heritage. This talk is a compelling exploration of how art can celebrate cultural freedom and inspire others to embrace their role in shaping change narratives. Kwame Akoto-Bamfo is a Ghanaian sculptor, educator, and activist renowned for his dedication to preserving African history and promoting restorative justice through art. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in painting and sculpture from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

His seminal work, the Nkyinkyim Installation, is an evolving art project comprising over 1,500 portraits of Africans in the diaspora. This installation pays homage to the victims of the Transatlantic slave trade and is prominently featured at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama.

In 2017, Akoto-Bamfo gained international attention with his "Faux-Reedom" exhibition, which featured 1,200 sculpted heads representing Ghana's enslaved ancestors. This powerful display questioned Ghana's independence and highlighted neo-colonial legacies.

Beyond his installations, Akoto-Bamfo actively participates in public speaking, research, and lectures, focusing on archiving and promoting African history and cultural heritage. His work has been featured in various documentaries and miniseries, including "Enslaved" (2020) and "The Art of Healing" (2022).

His contributions to art and activism have earned him several accolades, such as the GUBA Influential Artist of the Year in 2019 and the inaugural Kuenyehia Prize for Contemporary Art.

Through his art, Kwame Akoto-Bamfo continues challenging historical narratives, fostering healing, and inspiring restorative justice across the African diaspora. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx