Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to advancing Ghana’s creative industry.
During a meeting with creatives in Kumasi on Tuesday, November, Mahama pledged to establish a new national theatre in Kumasi to support content creators in the region if the NDC wins the 2024 elections.
This promise builds on a commitment made in the NDC’s 2020 manifesto, where the former president pledged to renovate the existing National Theatre in Accra, aiming to modernize the facility with state-of-the-art equipment to better serve the arts community and the public.
Mahama emphasized that this promise remains intact and will be fulfilled by the next NDC government.
Mahama expressed concern over the deteriorated state of the National Theatre in Accra, stating,
“Since the Chinese helped us to build it during Rawlings’s time, the theatre has not been rehabilitated. The curtains don’t draw properly, and the stage is in poor condition. It’s time we rehabilitate this building to fully support the creative industry.”
He reiterated the NDC’s commitment to constructing Ghana’s second national theatre in Kumasi: “We have not abandoned our promise. If we come into power, we will build our second theatre in Kumasi.”
Revamping the National Theatre in Accra and building a new facility in Kumasi would offer improved spaces for artists and performers, creating new avenues for cultural exchange and economic development in Ghana.
National Theatre
The National Theatre of Ghana was opened in 1992 in Accra, the capital of Ghana, to spearhead the country’s theatre movement by providing a multi-functional venue for concerts, dance, drama and musical performances, screenplays, exhibitions and special events.
National theatres play a critical role in a country’s cultural landscape. They serve as cultural hubs that promote and preserve the nation’s artistic heritage, providing a platform for both traditional and contemporary performances.
They often showcase the country’s history, traditions, and values through various forms of art, including plays, musicals, and dance performances.
They also foster the growth of local talents by providing opportunities for playwrights, actors, directors, and other artists to create and perform new works.
Many national theatres have educational programmes that engage with schools and communities, inspiring the next generation of theatregoers and artists.
Besides, national theatres can draw visitors from around the world, contributing to the local economy and promoting cultural exchange.
