Basic 7 · Creative Arts and Design · Media and Techniques
Issue Posters, Musicians on Topical Issues and Ghanaian Dance-Drama Artistes
In this topic you will design an artwork that presents your view on a topical issue, study musicians whose songs address community issues, and identify Ghanaian dance and drama artistes and the messages in their works.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Design and present an artwork that expresses a view on a topical issue
- Explain how musicians use songs to address history and topical issues
- Name Ghanaian dance and drama artistes and the issues reflected in their works
What you already know
- Art as a voice on community issues
- Indigenous and art musicians
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Visual Arts
- Sub-strand
- Media and Techniques
- Indicator
- B7.2.3.1.1 – Narrate own views of the history culture environment and topical issues in the community
Introduction
A strong poster can change behaviour. The "Stop Galamsey" and "Keep Ghana Clean" campaigns used powerful images to speak to millions. In this lesson you will design your own issue artwork.
1. Features of an Effective Issue Poster
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| one strong image | catches attention quickly |
| short slogan | easy to remember |
| contrasting colours | can be seen from far away |
| clear lettering | easy to read |
| a call to action | tells people what to do |
| balance and emphasis | guides the eye to the main message |
2. Planning the Poster
- Choose the issue and state your view in one sentence.
- Collect evidence: photographs, facts from reports and interviews.
- Sketch three thumbnail layouts with image and slogan in different places.
- Select the best layout and plan the colours.
- Draw the final design lightly on card, then paint and letter it.
- Display it where the target audience will see it.
3. Lettering
Letters on a poster must be large, neat and evenly spaced. Draw two light guidelines to keep letters the same height. Block letters are the easiest to read from a distance. Use a dark colour on a light background, or a light colour on a dark background, for strong contrast.
4. Presenting and Defending the Work
Display the posters as a class exhibition. Each artist explains the issue, the view, the evidence and the design choices. Classmates ask questions and the artist responds politely. Afterwards, the posters can be displayed in the school or community to educate others.
Common mistake: Too many words on a poster make it hard to read. Let the image do most of the talking.
New words
- slogan
- A short, memorable phrase.
- thumbnail sketch
- A small, quick sketch of a layout idea.
- call to action
- Words telling people what to do.
- lettering
- Drawing letters neatly for a design.
Summary
- An effective poster has a strong image, a short slogan and contrast.
- Plan with thumbnail sketches before making the final poster.
- Present, explain and defend your design to an audience.
Class activity: Issue Poster Exhibition
- Design and make an A3 poster on a topical issue.
- Write a three-sentence statement of your view and evidence.
- Present your poster at a class exhibition and answer questions.
You need: Printed photographs of local Ghanaian festivals, Local newspaper clipping, Chart paper with markers
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A short, memorable phrase on a poster is a…
- A. slogan
- B. caption
- C. title page
- D. footnote
Show answer
Answer: sloganEasy to remember.2. Which colour combination gives the strongest contrast for lettering?
- A. Black on yellow
- B. Yellow on white
- C. Light blue on white
- D. Grey on black
Show answer
Answer: Black on yellowDark on light.3. A good poster should be crowded with words.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseThe image should do most of the talking.4. Small quick sketches of layout ideas are ______ sketches.
Show answer
Answer: thumbnailSmall and quick.5. List four features of an effective issue poster.
Show answer
Answer: Strong image, short slogan, contrasting colours, clear lettering (or call to action).Any four.6. Why should a designer make several thumbnail sketches before the final poster?
Show answer
Answer: To compare layouts and choose the one that best shows the message.Compare options.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Visual Arts
- Sub-strand
- Media and Techniques
- Indicator
- B7.2.3.2.3 – Identify indigenous and art musicians in the community whose works reflect the history culture environment and topical issues
Introduction
Musicians are often the voice of the people. Through their songs, they praise good leaders, warn against bad behaviour and talk about problems that affect everyone.
1. Songs as Social Commentary
In traditional Ghana, singers used songs of insult (such as the Ewe halo songs) and satire to correct bad behaviour in the community. Today, highlife, gospel and hiplife musicians sing about corruption, unemployment, the environment, peace during elections and the dangers of drugs and HIV/AIDS.
2. Studying a Song
| Question | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Who is the musician? | background, type of music, community |
| What is the song about? | the story, issue or event |
| What language is used? | local language, English or both |
| Which instruments are played? | drums, guitar, gyil, keyboard, etc. |
| What is the message? | the lesson or view of the musician |
| How is the music arranged? | call and response, verses and chorus, tempo |
3. Examples
Ephraim Amu's patriotic songs encouraged pride in African culture during colonial times. Nana Kwame Ampadu and the African Brothers Band sang "Ebi Te Yie", a song about animals at a meeting, which listeners understood as a comment on unfairness in society. Many gospel and hiplife artists today release songs urging peace before national elections.
4. Making a Musician Profile
A profile is a short report about a person. For a musician, include their name, where they come from, the type of music, famous songs, the issues in their songs and why their work matters to the community. Use recordings, interviews and books as sources.
New words
- satire
- Using humour to criticise wrong behaviour.
- social commentary
- Expressing views on issues in society.
- patriotic song
- A song that shows love for one's country.
- profile
- A short report about a person.
Summary
- Musicians use songs to comment on history and topical issues.
- Study a song by asking about its musician, story, language, instruments and message.
- A musician's profile records their background, works and importance.
Class activity: Song Study
- Listen to a Ghanaian song about a community issue.
- Answer the six study questions on chart paper.
- Present a short profile of the musician to the class.
You need: Mobile phone with offline Ghanaian music recordings, Printed local-musician profile cards, Chart paper with markers
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A song that shows love for one's country is a…
- A. patriotic song
- B. dirge
- C. lullaby
- D. work song
Show answer
Answer: patriotic songLove for the nation.2. Using humour to criticise wrong behaviour is called…
- A. satire
- B. praise
- C. harmony
- D. rhythm
Show answer
Answer: satireHumorous criticism.3. Musicians can use songs to comment on problems in society.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueSocial commentary.4. A short report about a person is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: profileBackground and works.5. Name three questions you would ask when studying a song.
Show answer
Answer: Who is the musician? What is the song about? What is the message?Any three.6. Explain why a musician might use animals as characters to comment on society.
Show answer
Answer: To criticise indirectly without naming people, making the message safer and more memorable.Indirect criticism.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Performing Arts
- Sub-strand
- Connections in Local and Global Cultures
- Indicator
- B7.2.3.3.5 – Select artworks of dance and drama artistes in the community or other places and identify the history culture environment and topical issues that are reflected in them
Introduction
Ghana's stages have been shaped by talented playwrights, choreographers and dance companies. Their works keep traditions alive and raise questions about life today.
1. Drama Artistes
| Artiste | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Efua Sutherland (1924–1996) | playwright; founded the Ghana Drama Studio; wrote "The Marriage of Anansewa" and "Foriwa" |
| Ama Ata Aidoo (1942–2023) | playwright and writer; wrote "The Dilemma of a Ghost" and "Anowa" |
| Abibigromma | the resident theatre company of the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana |
| concert party groups | travelling theatre mixing comedy, music and moral lessons |
2. Dance Artistes
Professor Albert Mawere Opoku was a choreographer who helped found the Ghana Dance Ensemble in 1962 with J. H. Kwabena Nketia. The ensemble, now linked to the National Dance Company of Ghana, adapted traditional dances such as Adowa, Agbadza and Bamaya for the stage. Many school cultural troupes and community dance groups continue this work.
3. Issues Reflected in Their Works
"The Marriage of Anansewa" uses the trickster Ananse to show greed and the problem of using a daughter to get money. "The Dilemma of a Ghost" explores the clash between Ghanaian tradition and foreign ways when a Ghanaian man returns home with an African-American wife. Dance works often show history, such as war dances, or community values, such as unity.
When you select a work to study, ask: Who created it? What is the story or dance about? Which part of history, culture or the environment does it show? What topical issue does it raise? How do costume, movement and music help the message?
New words
- playwright
- A person who writes plays.
- choreographer
- A person who creates dance movements and sequences.
- ensemble
- A group of performers who work together.
- concert party
- Travelling theatre combining comedy, music and drama.
Summary
- Efua Sutherland and Ama Ata Aidoo are important Ghanaian playwrights.
- Mawere Opoku and Nketia helped found the Ghana Dance Ensemble.
- Their works reflect history, culture and issues such as greed and cultural change.
Class activity: Artiste Gallery
- Research one Ghanaian dance or drama artiste or group.
- Make a poster with a picture, background and two works.
- Explain the issues reflected in their work.
You need: Atumpan drum, Calabash rattle, Printed photographs of Ghanaian dance poses
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Who wrote "The Marriage of Anansewa"?
- A. Efua Sutherland
- B. Ama Ata Aidoo
- C. Ephraim Amu
- D. Koo Nimo
Show answer
Answer: Efua SutherlandFounder of the Ghana Drama Studio.2. A person who creates dance movements is a…
- A. choreographer
- B. playwright
- C. cantor
- D. conductor
Show answer
Answer: choreographerDesigns dances.3. The Ghana Dance Ensemble was founded in 1962.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueBy Opoku and Nketia.4. A person who writes plays is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: playwrightWriter of drama.5. Name two Ghanaian drama artistes and one work by each.
Show answer
Answer: Efua Sutherland: The Marriage of Anansewa; Ama Ata Aidoo: The Dilemma of a Ghost.Any correct pair.6. What issue does "The Dilemma of a Ghost" raise?
Show answer
Answer: The clash between Ghanaian tradition and foreign ways when cultures meet.Cultural conflict.
Homework
- Finish your issue poster and write a short statement defending your view.
- Write a profile of a Ghanaian musician or drama artiste.