Wood Carver - Kojo Bambir of Ajumako Asaasan

Kojo Bambir, from Ajumako Asaasan, Central Region, Ghana, started wood carving very early in live. He carved for over 50 years. Carving had always been a family undertaking. He carved with his two brothers who passed away in 1970s. In the late 1950s, he and his two brothers opened their carving shop at Agona Swedru. It was here that he was commissioned to carve some works for the Ghana National Museum in Accra. He carved the Akan abusua poma (clan or family staff), which are part of the Museum’s permanent display. It was such work that caught the attention of visitors to the Museum.

Early 1960 he was contacted by the world famous Ghanaian artist, Kofi Antubam to assist him in a major project the Ghana Government had assigned to Antubam. Antubam had been asked by the government to redesign the legislative chamber of the Parliament House to befit the republican form of government Ghana became on July 1, 1960. Antubam’s assignment also included the creation of the Seat of State (in the tradiional adwa - stool style), the Chair of State (in the traditional asipim style), the Ghana Mace (used by the Speaker of Parliament), and the akofenata used by the President to swear the Oath of Office.

Kojo Bambir assisted Kofi Anubam in carving the Ghana Mace, Seat of State and Chair of State, front door and the inner chamber murals to the Legislative Chamber of the Old Parliament House. Bambir assisted in carving of various murals to be found at the Accra Commuinty Centre on High Street near the Supreme Court.

Bambir’s works have been given as gifts by the Ghana Government to foreign dignitaries that visit Ghana. Contact Information Kojo Bambir and Sons P. O. Box 332 Achimota, Ghana The workshop is to be found in the area of Achimota called Neoplan, near the Achimota Taxi Station on the Accra-Nsawam Road.

Bambir is now deceased but his carving workshop is still operated by his sons.

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