The Unknown Mystery Behind the Statue in Front of the R.S Amegashie Auditorium, UGBS
06 May, 2026 02:23 PM
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From time immemorial, statues have played a significant role in cultures across Africa and the wider world. They are more than just artistic structures; they are symbols of memory, identity, authority, and history. For some, statues represent cultural heritage and tradition, while for others, they serve as expressions of artistic creativity and historical documentation. Yet, not all statues come with clear or widely known narratives. Some remain surrounded by quiet mystery, existing in plain sight but largely unnoticed in terms of their deeper meaning or origin.
One such example is the statue positioned in front of the R.S. Amegashie Auditorium at the University of Ghana Business School (formerly known as the School of Administration). Many students, staff, and visitors pass by it daily, yet few can confidently speak about its origin, meaning, or history.
A Statue Wrapped in Uncertainty
Statue infront of the R.S Amegashie Auditorium, UGBS
For years, this statue has stood as a silent feature of the Business School landscape. While it is physically prominent, its identity has remained largely unclear within the student community. This raises important questions: What does the statue represent? Who created it? And what is its historical significance to the institution?
Tracing Its Historical Connection
Wooden sculpture created by Vincent Kofi
Based on available information and historical accounts, the statue is believed to be connected to a wooden sculpture known as “Okyereman” (Chief Drummer), created by renowned Ghanaian artist Vincent Kofi.
Vincent Kofi was a prominent sculptor whose works often explored themes of Pan-Africanism, identity, and decolonisation. He worked with various mediums including wood, stone, and bronze, and contributed significantly to the development of modern Ghanaian art. He also held influential academic positions in art education in Ghana.
The Role of Willis Bell’s Documentation
Picture of sculpture taken by Willis E. Bell
Further insight comes from photographic records by Willis E. Bell, who documented the sculpture in a studio setting in Dzorwulu, Accra. In this context, the “Okyereman” sculpture was staged and photographed in Bell’s studio courtyard, rather than at its original institutional location.
These records suggest that the sculpture had a documented presence at the University of Ghana Campus, Business School, during its earlier history, particularly when the institution was still known as the School of Administration.
What Remains Unclear
Despite these historical connections, there is still an important gap in clarity. While it is documented that “Okyereman” was originally associated with the School of Administration, it is not explicitly confirmed whether the statue currently standing in front of the R.S Amegashie Auditorium is the original piece, a restored version, or a later reproduction inspired by the original work.
This distinction is important, as artworks of historical significance are sometimes relocated, replicated, or replaced over time, especially within institutional settings.
A Living Mystery on Campus
What makes this statue particularly intriguing is not just its presence, but the questions it continues to raise. Is it the original “Okyereman” sculpture that has stood there since the early days of the institution? Or is it a reinterpretation of a historical artwork whose story has gradually faded from public memory?
Authored By: Emmanuella Mensah.