Accra, Sept. 11, GNA - The State should cater for individuals whose contributions to the arts have become the cornerstone of the country's artistic excellence, Nana Akomea, Minister of Information, suggested on Tuesday.

He said just as the State provides for its former Presidents, the same could be done to people like Nuumo Saka Acquaye and Nuumo Amon Kotei, who are old and can no longer work.

Nana Akomea said this at the Living Legend Series (LLS) organized by the National Theatre of Ghana to honour and acknowledge the works of two famous painters and sculptors, Nuumo Acquaye and Nuumo Kotei, for their immense contribution towards the development of the arts. The series which was launched a couple of months ago by the National Theatre is to pay tribute to and endorse the contributions of Ghanaians whose artistic works have preserved the cultural heritage of the people.

Nana Akomea said the exploits of the two men have overshadowed their other accomplishments.

He described Nuumo Kotei as a man who through his works, lived in both his time and also far ahead of his time.

The Minister also noted that the role of Nuumo Acquaye in his cultural exposition of the Ga people, as expression in his work with the Wulomei, is a great story that is waiting to be told.

He said the works of Nuumo Saka are found all over the country and beyond especially in museums in the Americas.

He said although Nuumo Saka is blind he would be superintending the sculpturing of J.B. Danquah to be erected at the Danquah Circle at Osu. He said just as art schools teach of the European Masters like Michael Angelo and Picasso, African art schools should also teach the Nuumo Acquaye and Nuumo Kotei.

Professor Komla Amoaku, Executive Director of the National Theatre, said Ghana could boast of two illustrious sons whose works have been celebrated in many parts of the world.

He said the event is a rare opportunity to interact with the artists while they are alive. He said in October the series would feature four legendary writers - Professor Kofi Awoonor; Mr Ayikwei Armah; Mr Kwesi Brew and Professor Ama Atta Aidoo. 09 Sept. 03