Stories and facts
Author: David Ayinaba Abayaa
Frances Ademola played a significant role in the development of Ghana’s art and broadcasting sectors.
She is best known for founding The Loom, Ghana’s first privately owned gallery, which helped develop the country’s contemporary art scene and provided artists with a space to showcase their work.
Born and raised in Accra, Ghana, Frances Ademola began her education at the Government Girls' School, where she studied from 1932 to 1939, before continuing at Achimota School from 1939 to 1944.
Her passion for learning took her to England, where she attended Westonbirt School in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, from 1946 to 1948. She later pursued higher education at the University of Exeter, completing her studies in 1953.
She started her career in broadcasting, a field in which she excelled. From 1954 to 1956, she worked as a senior producer at the Gold Coast Broadcasting System, now known as the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.
Eager for new experiences, she moved to Nigeria, where she spent 12 years. She joined the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation in 1958 and, by 1960, was leading the Western Regional Programs, a role she held until 1963.
In 1969, Frances returned to Ghana and opened The Loom, a gallery that became a home for artists and a space for creativity.
At a time when private galleries were rare in the country, The Loom gave Ghanaian artists a platform to showcase their work and gain recognition. Thanks to her efforts, many talented artists found an audience and Ghana’s art scene grew.
Beyond her professional life, Frances Ademola shared a rich personal life with her husband, Adenekan Ademola, the son of Adetokunbo Ademola. Together, they built a life centered around art, culture, and intellectual exchange.
Her contributions to both broadcasting and the arts created opportunities for many and played a key role in Ghana’s cultural development.
Frances Ademola was not only a supporter of the arts but also a driving force behind the success of many artists. Her influence continues to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
Explore the life of Frances Ademola below.
