By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, April 7, GNA – The National Theatre of Ghana has launched its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, outlining a bold roadmap to reposition the institution as a financially sustainable, digitally driven, and globally competitive hub for arts and culture.
The plan seeks to modernise the Theatre’s operations through improved infrastructure, innovative programming, stronger partnerships and the integration of digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The plan, which was launched at the National Theatre in Accra, featured performances by the National Symphony Orchestra, Abibigromma (National Drama Company) and the Ghana Dance Ensemble, underscoring the Theatre’s rich artistic heritage.
The ceremony was attended by members of the National Theatre Board, representatives of diplomatic missions, officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, cultural practitioners, academia, and the media.
Madam Korkor Amarteifio, the Board Chairperson of the National Theatre, said the plan was designed to retool and revitalise the institution to meet the demands of a rapidly changing cultural and technological environment.
She explained that the five-year strategy was developed through collaboration among the Board, Management and staff of the Theatre, with professional guidance from consultants, and aligned with national development priorities.
“The National Theatre must remain relevant to both national and international audiences. Artistic excellence alone is no longer enough; resilience, accountability and financial sustainability are now equally critical,” she said.
Madam Amarteifio noted that the vision of the plan was Arts accessible everywhere, for everyone, stressing that the Theatre would work to make arts inclusive, welcoming and impactful for all sections of society.
She said the strategy would focus on strengthening artistic excellence, expanding access to culture, developing creative skills and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Presenting the strategic framework, Dr. Olubunmi Ajayi, Lead Consultant, said the plan rested on four key objectives: sustainability, attracting the best collaborators, innovation to grow audiences, and developing high-level creativity and skills.
According to her, the sustainability pillar would prioritise internally generated revenue through artistic productions, rentals, curated cultural experiences, merchandising, digital archives and renewable energy solutions.
Dr. Ajayi said that digital platforms and AI would be used to take Ghanaian theatre content to audiences across Africa and the diaspora.
She announced plans to establish a National Theatre Academy to provide certified training programmes, youth theatre initiatives, corporate skill-development courses and continuous talent incubation.
Dr. Ajayi also disclosed that the Theatre would invest in research to examine how AI and digital transformation were reshaping performing arts globally, with the aim of developing resilient and sustainable business models.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, in a statement delivered at the event, described the launch of the plan as a bold and transparent step towards repositioning the National Theatre to reclaim its past glory as a premier cultural institution.
She said the plan would serve as both a development blueprint and an assessment tool for stakeholders to monitor performance.
“The National Theatre remains a beacon of artistic expression and a custodian of our cultural heritage. Implementing this plan will strengthen talent development, innovation, staff capacity and partnerships with the private sector and academia,” the Minister said.
Madam Gomashie expressed confidence that the strategy would contribute significantly to arts education, audience development, tourism growth and job creation within the creative economy.
She commended the Acting Executive Director, management and staff for prioritising institutional strengthening and audience development.
She urged artists and creators to take advantage of the renewed direction of the Theatre to showcase their talents and tell Ghana’s stories to the world.
“I am confident that with committed leadership and inclusive management, the National Theatre will reach new heights,” she said.
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong