Big dreams: He’s the founder of a leading African photobook library

Paul Ninson, a Ghanaian photojournalist, turned his passion for photography and storytelling into the Dikan Center, Africa’s leading photobook library, located in Accra, Ghana. Inspired by the wealth of African visual history he encountered while studying in New York City, Ninson sought to create a space in Ghana where people could access and celebrate their own stories. Opened in 2022, the center now holds over 30,000 volumes, including rare works like The Gold Coast Yesterday and Today from the 1940s.

The Dikan Center provides more than just books; it fosters storytelling through educational workshops, fellowships, and access to advanced digital tools like cameras and VR equipment. Its mission is to empower African photographers and storytellers to capture the continent’s narratives. Renowned photographers and editors, such as Pete Souza and Alice Gabriner, contribute to its programs, which have already trained a new generation of photojournalists.

Beyond books, the center hosts exhibitions and film screenings, showcasing African culture and history. For many, like Accra native George Koranteng, the Dikan Center is a transformative resource, offering a platform to connect with African photographers and redefine storytelling on the continent. Ninson’s vision has sparked hope for further cultural preservation efforts in Ghana.

Source: NPR