The Dikan Center has received a substantial grant from the prestigious Mellon Foundation. The grant will support the establishment and operation of Awo Institute, dedicated to heritage conservation and cultural engagement.
This latest investment highlights the Mellon Foundation’s commitment to preserving and revitalizing cultural heritage globally. The grant positions the Dikan Center to greatly enhance its archival digitization efforts, historical preservation, and community-oriented educational programs.
The newly established Awo Institute is set to become Ghana’s largest archival digitization and preservation center, equipped with advanced digitization technology, an audiovisual lab, digital innovation facilities, and state-of-the-art conservation labs. The institute will digitize up to 5,000 historical items daily, securing critical documents, rare manuscripts, photographs, and audiovisual materials for future generations.
Complementing the work of the Awo Institute, Ahenfie—meaning “palace” in Akan—offers an innovative approach to cultural preservation. Unlike traditional museums, Ahenfie will engage visitors through interactive storytelling, dynamic exhibits, and educational experiences designed to vividly celebrate Ghana’s heritage.
Founder and Executive Director of Dikan Center, Paul Ninson, expressed deep appreciation for the Mellon Foundation’s support: “We are incredibly honored by this generous funding. It greatly strengthens our ability to preserve Ghanaian and African heritage, while actively engaging and educating communities in culturally meaningful ways.”
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, welcomed the initiative: “The Mellon Foundation’s support for the Dikan Center represents a major advancement in our efforts to preserve and celebrate Ghana’s rich cultural heritage. Dikan’s approach ensures that our heritage continues to inspire future generations.”
Esteemed international partners, including the University of Pennsylvania Museum, Getty Research Institute, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Google Arts & Culture support the project. This collaboration will strengthen Dikan’s capacity to build robust partnerships with local and international institutions, enhancing heritage preservation and cultural education.
By: Joshua Narh
