By Patrick Ofoe Nudzi
Accra, Aug. 12, GNA – Many cultural and heritage facilities across the country are undergoing major improvements under the Government’s renewal drive to enhance their operations, visitor experience and contribution to the Tourism and Creative Arts industry.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, said a Strategic Plan for 2026-2030 has been crafted to guide the operations of the National Theatre and ensure its optimal contribution to the industry.
She said the facility had also instituted a rigorous maintenance regime, resulting in a facelift of the Exhibition Hall, Foyer, main auditorium and the Folks Place, contributing to a 15 per cent increase in patronage as of July 2026.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra, she said security had been improved through additional personnel, uniforms and security tags, while the Theatre had received a 1,000 kVA standby generator to augment its operations and ensure constant power supply.
“The Government of the People’s Republic of China is also supporting the major renovation and modernisation of the National Theatre, following a technical assessment undertaken by a high-level Chinese delegation in December 2025,” Madam Gomashie said.
She said the National Folklore Board recorded a major milestone with the successful inscription of Ghana’s Highlife Music and Dance on UNESCO’s Representative List, making it the country’s second intangible cultural heritage element to receive the global recognition.
The Board also expanded public engagement through storytelling initiatives, World Folklore Day celebrations and 13 new episodes of its folklore television programme, while strategic partnerships enhanced community impact, digital storytelling and heritage education.
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park had undergone governance, infrastructure and visitor-experience improvements, including free Wi-Fi, 25 marble benches, landscaping, repainting, lighting rewiring and restoration of the musical fountain, the Minister said.
The Park’s social media presence, she noted, had increased significantly, with Facebook followers growing from 475 to more than 14,200 within eight months, while plans were advanced to operationalise the Dr Kwame Nkrumah Presidential Library, in collaboration with the Ghana Library Authority,
“The Ghana Museums and Monuments Board is also consulting relevant authorities to review its governing Act, while night tours have been piloted at the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, which now operate until 2200 hours in line with the Government’s 24-Hour Economy vision,” Madam Gomashie said.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Patrick Ofoe Nudzi