In a noteworthy event, the artist Ibrahim Mahama acquired some of Ghana’s ancient trains from various locations across the country and moved them to the Northern Region as a valuable addition to his collection at the Red Clay Studios.
During a discussion on Caleb Kudah’s YouTube channel, Ibrahim Mahama disclosed the process behind obtaining these old trains. He revealed that they were purchased from scrap dealers and then meticulously restored and transported from Sekondi to Tamale in the Northern Region.
The artist shared that the acquisition of two locomotives cost him GH¢350,000. He emphasized that the task of lifting these 100-year-old trains was an arduous undertaking that demanded significant time, dedication, and careful planning to achieve successfully.
Ibrahim Mahama expressed his gratitude to the team of individuals who provided their assistance in transporting the trains to their new location at the Red Clay Studios, where they now stand as a part of his remarkable collection.
“It took about four days to pack the trains and an extra three to four days driving the locomotive trains to Tamale. We are currently restoring the trains at the Red Clay Studios and that is the core part of the entire project as we seek to breathe life back into things that one would not ordinarily assume can have a sense of value,” he shared.
Renowned for his extraordinary talent in transforming discarded items into captivating art, Ibrahim Mahama has earned global recognition.
Utilizing materials such as sacks and old sewing machines, among others, he has carved a niche for himself, not only promoting Ghana but also infusing his work with historical significance.
In the year 2021, Ibrahim Mahama once again demonstrated his visionary approach to art by purchasing some of Ghana’s old planes. With these planes, he embarked on a grand project to establish a museum and community space in Jenakpeng, situated in the Northern Region.
This initiative promises to preserve the planes’ history while providing a platform for communal engagement and appreciation of art.