Ghana is set to witness the long-awaited commencement of renovation works on the National Theatre, according to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Abla Gomashie.
The announcement offers renewed hope for artists and stakeholders who have expressed concern over the deteriorating state of the country’s foremost performing arts facility.
Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi Eyewitness News on Tuesday, January 13, the Minister confirmed that preparatory work is currently underway to rehabilitate the iconic structure. She acknowledged that the National Theatre has suffered years of infrastructural decline, affecting its ability to host high-quality performances and cultural events.
Minister Gomashie clarified reports suggesting that a US$30 million allocation to the creative arts sector would be used solely for the National Theatre project. According to her, this is inaccurate, as the funds are intended to support a broader range of initiatives within the creative and cultural ecosystem.
“The funding is not exclusively for the National Theatre,” she explained. “It is sourced from a Chinese facility and is meant to support wider sectoral development, with only a portion allocated to the renovation of the Theatre.”
She noted that the government’s approach reflects a comprehensive vision to strengthen Ghana’s creative arts industry as a whole, rather than concentrating resources on a single facility. While the National Theatre remains a priority, other cultural infrastructure projects are also being pursued simultaneously.
Beyond Accra, Minister Gomashie revealed that efforts are ongoing to complete and operationalise events and cultural centres in various regions across the country. These projects, she said, are part of a deliberate strategy to decentralise arts and cultural infrastructure, ensuring that creative opportunities are not limited to the capital.
“For too long, creative activity has been overly concentrated in Accra,” the Minister stated. “We are working to make sure that other regions also have functional spaces where artists can perform, create, and earn a living.”
The decentralisation agenda is expected to stimulate local creative economies, create employment, and encourage regional cultural expression. By expanding access to performance and exhibition spaces, the government aims to nurture talent at the grassroots level and strengthen Ghana’s national cultural identity.
The planned renovation of the National Theatre itself is anticipated to restore the facility to modern standards, addressing long-standing structural, technical, and maintenance challenges. Once completed, the Theatre is expected to reclaim its position as a premier hub for theatre, dance, music, and other performing arts in Ghana.
Industry observers believe the combination of renovating the National Theatre and investing in regional cultural centres could significantly boost Ghana’s creative economy. Improved infrastructure will not only benefit artists and performers but also enhance cultural tourism and international collaborations.
As preparations move closer to implementation, stakeholders in the arts sector are hopeful that the promised rehabilitation will mark a turning point for Ghana’s cultural infrastructure. If executed as planned, the initiative could usher in a new era for the performing arts, reinforcing culture as both a national asset and an economic driver.
