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Addo, M. N. & Amiisah, E. R. K. (2020). Physically Challenged Persons and Selection of Fabrics: A Case Study in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, Ghana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, 9,
Abstract
Clothing which is one of the basic needs of human being, plays a significant role in an individual’s life at all stages. Physically challenged persons, however, are confronted with the choice of certain fabrics for clothing due to their disabilities. Evidence shows that two out of ten persons living in Ghana have problems with the right choice of textiles fabric for use as garment. The type of attire or article to which the people would like to use the fabric or cloth for remains unknown. This lack of data has been making it impossible for fashion designers and artisans to produce ready to-use articles and attires for the physically challenged persons. This study aims at assessing physically challenged persons and selection of textiles fabric for use considering the mobility gadget and its related comfortability among the physically challenged people in the Sekondi Takoradi–Metropolis. The research design used was descriptive and observation survey. An orderly sampling strategy was applied to select 300 respondents, comprising physically challenged cloth merchant, fashion designers and the public. Data for the study was obtained using structured questionnaires, interview and observation. The results of the study revealed that majority of the people in the formal sector like using the fabric for social function than any others. The findings indicated that two-thirds of the respondents who, to some extent, consider the durability of the textile’s fabric in connection to the mobility gadget used but due to the low income earning it offset them to consider the price to durability. There was also a healthy relationship between patterns selection of textile fabric for garment and convenience of the mobility gadget. These findings provide a holistic understanding of the challenges physically challenged persons faced in the choice of fabrics for use considering the mobility gadget and its related comfortability. The study recommends that people should have positive mind towards the physically challenged and those with knowledge of fabric properties should assist them in the selection of good fabric to enhance their conditions. Keywords: Physically challenged persons, choice of textiles fabric, garment, Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis, western region, Ghana
Clothing which is one of the basic needs of human being, plays a significant role in an individual’s life at all stages. Physically challenged persons, however, are confronted with the choice of certain fabrics for clothing due to their disabilities. Evidence shows that two out of ten persons living in Ghana have problems with the right choice of textiles fabric for use as garment. The type of attire or article to which the people would like to use the fabric or cloth for remains unknown. This lack of data has been making it impossible for fashion designers and artisans to produce ready to-use articles and attires for the physically challenged persons. This study aims at assessing physically challenged persons and selection of textiles fabric for use considering the mobility gadget and its related comfortability among the physically challenged people in the Sekondi Takoradi–Metropolis. The research design used was descriptive and observation survey. An orderly sampling strategy was applied to select 300 respondents, comprising physically challenged cloth merchant, fashion designers and the public. Data for the study was obtained using structured questionnaires, interview and observation. The results of the study revealed that majority of the people in the formal sector like using the fabric for social function than any others. The findings indicated that two-thirds of the respondents who, to some extent, consider the durability of the textile’s fabric in connection to the mobility gadget used but due to the low income earning it offset them to consider the price to durability. There was also a healthy relationship between patterns selection of textile fabric for garment and convenience of the mobility gadget. These findings provide a holistic understanding of the challenges physically challenged persons faced in the choice of fabrics for use considering the mobility gadget and its related comfortability. The study recommends that people should have positive mind towards the physically challenged and those with knowledge of fabric properties should assist them in the selection of good fabric to enhance their conditions. Keywords: Physically challenged persons, choice of textiles fabric, garment, Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis, western region, Ghana
Essel, O. Q & .Amissah, E. R. K.
AFRICAN STUDIES ASSOCIATION OF AFRICA (ASAA) THIRD INTERNATIONAL BIENNIAL CONFERENCE 2019. United States International University-Africa. Nairobi, Kenya 24th to 26th OCTOBER 2019
Paper presented:
Fashion journalism (re)presentation on apprenticeship-trained fashion designers of Ghana from the 1950s to 1970s
Abstract
Sartorial apprenticeship system in Ghana predates colonialists’ invasion. This system of training tailors, dressmakers and designers in fashion making and production was handed-down from generation to generation. It was the main mode of skill development and training acquisition. This system produced creative tailors, dressmakers and designers who produced both simple and complex dress fashion for the people. Their designs helped in clothing the kings, chiefdom and the Ghanaian society at large. They produced pure Ghanaian classical fashion that continue to inspire global fashion, and dress fashion that exhibits cross-cultural influences in main market places. Colonialists’ contact with the people of Ghana, sought to the introduction of relatively new system of training they called formal education while the apprenticeship system was labelled as informal education. Though the introduction of formal education in Ghana was not totally negative, the elitist nomenclature and popular perception about it portrayed it as most perfect system of sartorial education and training. This bred negative perceptions about apprenticeship training as inferior and positioned it as the preserve of those who are not academically gifted. Consequently, this brought into existence two main modes of fashion education and training namely academic (formal school education) and non-academic (apprenticeship). Amidst the longstanding colonial-inspired perception of non-academic fashion training and education as inferior, how did the Ghanaian fashion press (re)presented apprenticeship-trained tailors, dressmakers and designers in the local popular print media at the time? What narrative did the press give about the dress fashion creation of the tailors, dressmakers and designers? How did Ghana’s press (re)presentation of tailors, dressmakers and designers repress and or transmit local fashion history? The study investigates the shifting perceptions of apprenticeship-trained dress fashion designers and their (re)presentation in the eyes of the press (fashion journalism) in the 1950s. This historical study is premised on textual analysis of fashion discourse in journalism in the 1950s since the period experienced massive government-sponsored fashion training and education of designers overseas.
Sartorial apprenticeship system in Ghana predates colonialists’ invasion. This system of training tailors, dressmakers and designers in fashion making and production was handed-down from generation to generation. It was the main mode of skill development and training acquisition. This system produced creative tailors, dressmakers and designers who produced both simple and complex dress fashion for the people. Their designs helped in clothing the kings, chiefdom and the Ghanaian society at large. They produced pure Ghanaian classical fashion that continue to inspire global fashion, and dress fashion that exhibits cross-cultural influences in main market places. Colonialists’ contact with the people of Ghana, sought to the introduction of relatively new system of training they called formal education while the apprenticeship system was labelled as informal education. Though the introduction of formal education in Ghana was not totally negative, the elitist nomenclature and popular perception about it portrayed it as most perfect system of sartorial education and training. This bred negative perceptions about apprenticeship training as inferior and positioned it as the preserve of those who are not academically gifted. Consequently, this brought into existence two main modes of fashion education and training namely academic (formal school education) and non-academic (apprenticeship). Amidst the longstanding colonial-inspired perception of non-academic fashion training and education as inferior, how did the Ghanaian fashion press (re)presented apprenticeship-trained tailors, dressmakers and designers in the local popular print media at the time? What narrative did the press give about the dress fashion creation of the tailors, dressmakers and designers? How did Ghana’s press (re)presentation of tailors, dressmakers and designers repress and or transmit local fashion history? The study investigates the shifting perceptions of apprenticeship-trained dress fashion designers and their (re)presentation in the eyes of the press (fashion journalism) in the 1950s. This historical study is premised on textual analysis of fashion discourse in journalism in the 1950s since the period experienced massive government-sponsored fashion training and education of designers overseas.
Essuman, J., Acquah, M. & Duku, F. K. (2018). Blowing Our Own Horn:The Departments of Art Educationand Graphic Design. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL STUDIES, 6,
Abstract
Abstract The objective of this paper is to find out how well the potentials of the school has been fully advertised and also identify how best the school can be advertised. The paper was centred on the Departments of Graphic Design and the Art Education of the School of Creative Arts of the University of Education, Winneba. Qualitative and descriptive research methods were used in this research. The qualitative was used to ascertain prevalent information from staff members of the university and some indigenes of the Winneba community, as required by the study whiles the descriptive method was also used to specifically reveal the prevailing situation in the university and its environs. The study revealed that, members of the university community and people within the Winneba community have little knowledge about the two departments, let alone their full potentials in the university’s activities. The study therefore commends that effective and efficient advertising media be used to create the awareness of the existence of the Departments of Graphic Design and Art Education and also publicize their full potentials to the University community and its environs and the country at large. Keywords: Graphic Design, Art, Education, Art Education and Advertisement
Abstract The objective of this paper is to find out how well the potentials of the school has been fully advertised and also identify how best the school can be advertised. The paper was centred on the Departments of Graphic Design and the Art Education of the School of Creative Arts of the University of Education, Winneba. Qualitative and descriptive research methods were used in this research. The qualitative was used to ascertain prevalent information from staff members of the university and some indigenes of the Winneba community, as required by the study whiles the descriptive method was also used to specifically reveal the prevailing situation in the university and its environs. The study revealed that, members of the university community and people within the Winneba community have little knowledge about the two departments, let alone their full potentials in the university’s activities. The study therefore commends that effective and efficient advertising media be used to create the awareness of the existence of the Departments of Graphic Design and Art Education and also publicize their full potentials to the University community and its environs and the country at large. Keywords: Graphic Design, Art, Education, Art Education and Advertisement
Maclean, G. A. (2018). Training Amateur Bandsmen to Perform at Functions: COLTEK Band in Perspective. International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education, 5,
Abstract
The study was an action research to assist bandsmen of the College of Technology (COLTEK), University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in Ghana, within a short period of time, to perform at the University’s Congregation ceremony. A preliminary diagnostic test conducted revealed among the challenges encountered by the bandsmen as inability to read musical staff notation, and then limited knowledge of keys and their scales. Observations, auditioning and personal interactions were employed as data collection instruments while solfege, varied rehearsal techniques and phrase by phrase approaches were used as the main interventions. Hinged on the theory of expectation, the paper concludes that with the appropriate rehearsal techniques, a band can be prepared within a short time to gain proficiency for public performances in spite of its infantile nature and the less knowledge in theory among the bandsmen. It is recommended that the interventions are employed by tutors and trainers of new bands to deal with fundamental instrumental playing techniques for public performances. Keywords: COLTEK, Solfege, Rehearsal, UEW, Congregation, Matriculation
The study was an action research to assist bandsmen of the College of Technology (COLTEK), University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in Ghana, within a short period of time, to perform at the University’s Congregation ceremony. A preliminary diagnostic test conducted revealed among the challenges encountered by the bandsmen as inability to read musical staff notation, and then limited knowledge of keys and their scales. Observations, auditioning and personal interactions were employed as data collection instruments while solfege, varied rehearsal techniques and phrase by phrase approaches were used as the main interventions. Hinged on the theory of expectation, the paper concludes that with the appropriate rehearsal techniques, a band can be prepared within a short time to gain proficiency for public performances in spite of its infantile nature and the less knowledge in theory among the bandsmen. It is recommended that the interventions are employed by tutors and trainers of new bands to deal with fundamental instrumental playing techniques for public performances. Keywords: COLTEK, Solfege, Rehearsal, UEW, Congregation, Matriculation
Maclean, G. A. (2018). An Analytical View of Selected Commercialized Recordings of Ghanaian Art Music Compositions. International Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, 5,
Abstract
The paper takes a scrutiny of how selected Ghanaian art compositions, specifically choral works, have been wrongly performed and recorded for commercial purposes by renowned choral groups and gospel artistes in Ghana. The selected recorded works evince errors heard in some passages of the compositions (as scored); in terms of wrong pitches, rhythm interpretation and alteration of some of the texts. Using exploratory, 10 audio-recorded Akan choral compositions were purposively selected from compact discs of renowned choral groups and gospel artistes and analyzed. It was revealed that some commercially recorded choral pieces were done with errors pertaining to particular passages in the original scores. It was concluded that in spite of the seriousness attached to the learning and recording of such pieces, it is not every recorded art musical composition that gives a vivid representation of what exists on the score. It is therefore recommended that art music composers record their works first hand or see to the correct representation by other performers, especially if the intent is a commercialization of the recording. Keywords: Art Music, Choral Music, Commercialization, Akan, Ghana
The paper takes a scrutiny of how selected Ghanaian art compositions, specifically choral works, have been wrongly performed and recorded for commercial purposes by renowned choral groups and gospel artistes in Ghana. The selected recorded works evince errors heard in some passages of the compositions (as scored); in terms of wrong pitches, rhythm interpretation and alteration of some of the texts. Using exploratory, 10 audio-recorded Akan choral compositions were purposively selected from compact discs of renowned choral groups and gospel artistes and analyzed. It was revealed that some commercially recorded choral pieces were done with errors pertaining to particular passages in the original scores. It was concluded that in spite of the seriousness attached to the learning and recording of such pieces, it is not every recorded art musical composition that gives a vivid representation of what exists on the score. It is therefore recommended that art music composers record their works first hand or see to the correct representation by other performers, especially if the intent is a commercialization of the recording. Keywords: Art Music, Choral Music, Commercialization, Akan, Ghana
Amissah, E. R. K. & Amporful, A. (2018). Intra-Cultural Issues on Polygamous Marriages in Ghana: A Case Study of the People of Anlo in the Volta Region. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES & SOCIAL STUDIES, 6,
Abstract
Polygamous marriage is persistently prevalent in several sub-Saharan countries and remains a socio-cultural issue in the world. A considerable body of research has concluded that polygamy has impacts on children’s and wives’ psychological, social and family functioning but not much was done on this in Ghana. From a case study of the people of Anlo in the Volta Region of Ghana, this study aimed to examine the socio-cultural issues on polygamous marriages among the people and its impact on the family especially on women and children. A random sample of 61 respondents from 61 different families (31 senior high school children and 30 women) were used. Structured questionnaires on socio-demographics, socio-cultural practices of polygamy, family relationship qualities and four psychosocial scales were used to elicit responses from subjects for analysis. The results indicated high prevalence of polygamy in the study area with inverse relationship between education and attitudinal acceptance of polygamy. The study concludes that polygamy affects family quality; creating acrimony, tension, jealousy and competition among co-wives and step-siblings. It also affects psychosocial life of the family members, predominantly in women and children. Targeted sensitization, awareness of the implications of polygamy, educational and economic empowerment are key steps to address this, while focusing on children as the potential key entry points to addressing this in the next generations. Keywords: Polygamy, family, exogamy. Anlo, marriage
Polygamous marriage is persistently prevalent in several sub-Saharan countries and remains a socio-cultural issue in the world. A considerable body of research has concluded that polygamy has impacts on children’s and wives’ psychological, social and family functioning but not much was done on this in Ghana. From a case study of the people of Anlo in the Volta Region of Ghana, this study aimed to examine the socio-cultural issues on polygamous marriages among the people and its impact on the family especially on women and children. A random sample of 61 respondents from 61 different families (31 senior high school children and 30 women) were used. Structured questionnaires on socio-demographics, socio-cultural practices of polygamy, family relationship qualities and four psychosocial scales were used to elicit responses from subjects for analysis. The results indicated high prevalence of polygamy in the study area with inverse relationship between education and attitudinal acceptance of polygamy. The study concludes that polygamy affects family quality; creating acrimony, tension, jealousy and competition among co-wives and step-siblings. It also affects psychosocial life of the family members, predominantly in women and children. Targeted sensitization, awareness of the implications of polygamy, educational and economic empowerment are key steps to address this, while focusing on children as the potential key entry points to addressing this in the next generations. Keywords: Polygamy, family, exogamy. Anlo, marriage
Amissah, E. R. K. & Afram, A. P. (2018). A Comparative Study of Bonwire Kente and Daboya Benchibi. Latest Trends in Textile and Fashion Designing, 1,
Abstract
Weaving is one of the indigenous crafts, very common in the Ghanaian tradition. This craft is very much associated with three regions in Ghana. These are Volta region in the southern sector, Ashanti region in the middle sector and Northern region in the northern sector. Prominent areas within these regions are Avetime Kpetoe in the Volta region, Bonwire in the Ashanti region and Daboya in the Northern region. Woven fabrics produced from each of these areas possess specific characteristics different from other. The purpose of the study was to ascertain the production processes involved in the manufacturing of Daboya“Benchibi” and Bonwire“Kente”. The study aimed at bringing out the similarities and differences in the Daboya“Benchibi” and Bonwire“Kente”. The study centred on the qualitative design paradigm and employed the descriptive research method. The study used observation and interview as data collection instruments to identify, describe and analyse the production process, differences and similarities in the production processes of the two weaving traditions. The purposive sampling was used to select six weavers for the study. Three each from the selected communities. The descriptive method was used to analyse the data. The study found out that designing, warping, heddling, reeding, tying-up and actual weaving constituted the production processes involved in the production of both Daboya“Benchibi” and Bonwire“Kente”. The study revealed that Daboya“Benchibi” and Bonwire“Kente” have differences in terms of style of weave, designs and materials used. The study recommends that the physical features, techniques and various skills in these traditions of weaving should be upheld to serve as a unique trademark and legacy for both communities. Keywords: Kente; Benchibi; Weaving; Master weavers; Warp; Weft
Weaving is one of the indigenous crafts, very common in the Ghanaian tradition. This craft is very much associated with three regions in Ghana. These are Volta region in the southern sector, Ashanti region in the middle sector and Northern region in the northern sector. Prominent areas within these regions are Avetime Kpetoe in the Volta region, Bonwire in the Ashanti region and Daboya in the Northern region. Woven fabrics produced from each of these areas possess specific characteristics different from other. The purpose of the study was to ascertain the production processes involved in the manufacturing of Daboya“Benchibi” and Bonwire“Kente”. The study aimed at bringing out the similarities and differences in the Daboya“Benchibi” and Bonwire“Kente”. The study centred on the qualitative design paradigm and employed the descriptive research method. The study used observation and interview as data collection instruments to identify, describe and analyse the production process, differences and similarities in the production processes of the two weaving traditions. The purposive sampling was used to select six weavers for the study. Three each from the selected communities. The descriptive method was used to analyse the data. The study found out that designing, warping, heddling, reeding, tying-up and actual weaving constituted the production processes involved in the production of both Daboya“Benchibi” and Bonwire“Kente”. The study revealed that Daboya“Benchibi” and Bonwire“Kente” have differences in terms of style of weave, designs and materials used. The study recommends that the physical features, techniques and various skills in these traditions of weaving should be upheld to serve as a unique trademark and legacy for both communities. Keywords: Kente; Benchibi; Weaving; Master weavers; Warp; Weft
Amissah, E. R. K. & Lecther-Teye, S. M. (2018). Review Article Volume 2- Issue 4 - February 2018 Curr Trends Fashion Technol Textile Eng Copyright © All rights are reserved by Emmanuel RK Amissah Artistic and Cultural Significance of Ghanaian Printed Fabric Designs. Current Trends in Fashion technology & Textile Engineering, 2,
Abstract
The main objective of the research is to examine the artistic and cultural significance of Ghanaian printed fabrics. The study specifically sought to identify the various Ghanaian printed fabrics within the Ghanaian cultural set-up, examine the artistic and cultural significance of the fabrics and appraise some aspects of the printed fabrics. The research design used was the qualitative approach based on a simple descriptive survey. The purposive sampling technique was used to select eight (8) fabric designs for the study. Interview and observation were used in collecting data. The analysis of the study was based on a pictorial view of the designs. This technique enabled the researchers to deal with the artistic study of the research. The findings of the study showed that there are many Ghanaian printed fabrics with different names that have cultural significance derived from various traditional values and beliefs. Artistically, the fabrics come in different colour-ways, providing a venue for a variety of aesthetic experience for their users. The simple and complex designs associated with these fabrics go a long way to provide the individual with numerous means of appreciating textile products. The main recommendation of the study is that, conscious efforts be made by the various centres of national cultures to have special collections of these fabrics as a means of beefing up the stock of knowledge that exists in the meanings of the fabric designs. Keywords: Artistic; Culture; Aesthetics; Fabrics; Colour-ways; Symbolism
The main objective of the research is to examine the artistic and cultural significance of Ghanaian printed fabrics. The study specifically sought to identify the various Ghanaian printed fabrics within the Ghanaian cultural set-up, examine the artistic and cultural significance of the fabrics and appraise some aspects of the printed fabrics. The research design used was the qualitative approach based on a simple descriptive survey. The purposive sampling technique was used to select eight (8) fabric designs for the study. Interview and observation were used in collecting data. The analysis of the study was based on a pictorial view of the designs. This technique enabled the researchers to deal with the artistic study of the research. The findings of the study showed that there are many Ghanaian printed fabrics with different names that have cultural significance derived from various traditional values and beliefs. Artistically, the fabrics come in different colour-ways, providing a venue for a variety of aesthetic experience for their users. The simple and complex designs associated with these fabrics go a long way to provide the individual with numerous means of appreciating textile products. The main recommendation of the study is that, conscious efforts be made by the various centres of national cultures to have special collections of these fabrics as a means of beefing up the stock of knowledge that exists in the meanings of the fabric designs. Keywords: Artistic; Culture; Aesthetics; Fabrics; Colour-ways; Symbolism
Yorke, J. O., Amissah, E. R. K., Essuman, J. & deGraft-Yankson, P (2017). A Conceptual Shift in Educational Logo Designs: The Impact of Kwame Nkrumah’s Cultural Policy on Ghana’s Educational Philosophy. Arts and Design Studies, 60,
Abstract
This paper explores the conceptual shift in educational logo designs as an indirect result of Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies on Ghana’s educational philosophy. The study was an Art Historical research situated within the qualitative research paradigm and the data collection instruments used were interviews, field notes, observation and discussions. It had a population of a defined class of cultural policy makers, art historians, traditional rulers, nationalists, visual artists and Ghanaians resident both in and outside Ghana. The study was concerned with qualities and non-numerical characteristics of the data. The data collection techniques used was observation and structured interviews and the data collected was in the form of narrations. The study examined how the ideologies of the founding fathers of the formal educational institutions established in Ghana both before and after political independence. It identifies the significance of the ethnic insignias and Adinkra symbols used in capturing their visual corporate identities as against the reorientation of the thinking of the “new” Ghanaian. The selected educational institutions used for the study are Adisadel College - Cape Coast, Wesley Girls' Senior High School - Cape Coast, St. Augustine’s College - Cape Coast, Ghana National College - Cape Coast, University of Cape Coast - Cape Coast, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology – Kumasi and University of Education, Winneba – Winneba. Keywords: Adinkra, Ideologies, Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies, Philosophy of Africa’s formal education.
This paper explores the conceptual shift in educational logo designs as an indirect result of Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies on Ghana’s educational philosophy. The study was an Art Historical research situated within the qualitative research paradigm and the data collection instruments used were interviews, field notes, observation and discussions. It had a population of a defined class of cultural policy makers, art historians, traditional rulers, nationalists, visual artists and Ghanaians resident both in and outside Ghana. The study was concerned with qualities and non-numerical characteristics of the data. The data collection techniques used was observation and structured interviews and the data collected was in the form of narrations. The study examined how the ideologies of the founding fathers of the formal educational institutions established in Ghana both before and after political independence. It identifies the significance of the ethnic insignias and Adinkra symbols used in capturing their visual corporate identities as against the reorientation of the thinking of the “new” Ghanaian. The selected educational institutions used for the study are Adisadel College - Cape Coast, Wesley Girls' Senior High School - Cape Coast, St. Augustine’s College - Cape Coast, Ghana National College - Cape Coast, University of Cape Coast - Cape Coast, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology – Kumasi and University of Education, Winneba – Winneba. Keywords: Adinkra, Ideologies, Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies, Philosophy of Africa’s formal education.
Kemevor, A. K. & Essuman, J., (2016). Nation Building; the Role of Photography..
Abstract
