By Nii Martey M. Botchway
Accra, Oct. 5, GNA – The 2026 Ghana Theatre Festival has ended with a renewed call for structured investment from Corporate Ghana to drive sustainable growth of the creative economy.
Held on the theme, “Five Movements, One Story,” the week-long festival was organised by the National Theatre of Ghana in partnership with Globe Productions Limited.
It brought together practitioners, corporate stakeholders, policymakers and audiences to celebrate Ghanaian creativity and examine the future of performing arts.
The festival sought to position theatre not only as a cultural asset but as a key component of the creative economy.
Speaking at the closing, Mr Henry Herbert Malm, Executive Director of the National Theatre, urged businesses to move beyond traditional Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and see the performing arts as a viable commercial investment.
“We need Corporate Ghana to move beyond just giving us money as CSR and begin to see the creative industry as a commercial partner,” he said.
He said structured partnerships could deliver measurable returns for companies while creating sustainable funding for the arts.
Mr Malm called for a new relationship based not on sponsorship alone, but on investment, shared value and sustainable commercial partnerships.
“The future of Ghanaian theatre is bright, but we need to build structures that allow creativity to become sustainable businesses,” he said.
Industry dialogue
Activities included an industry dialogue that examined structural challenges facing the creative economy.
Discussions focused on innovative funding models to reduce dependence on unpredictable sponsorship, intellectual property monetisation, and strategies for leveraging theatre audiences to enhance corporate visibility and brand equity.
Symphony under the stars
A major highlight was an open-air concert by the National Symphony Orchestra at the forecourt of the National Theatre on Wednesday, October 1, to mark International Music Day.
The Orchestra thrilled audiences with a rich repertoire spanning different genres and traditions, creating a vibrant atmosphere under the night sky.
Celebrating Our Own
The festival also saw the unveiling of an expanded edition of the National Theatre’s flagship “Celebrating Our Own” awards.
Previously limited to a smaller group, the initiative now recognises individuals and institutions that have contributed significantly to the development of the National Theatre.
Honourees included Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and former staff of the National Theatre; cultural advocate Ms Korkor Amarteifio, also a former staff; and veteran playwright and director Uncle Ebo Whyte.
The Darkest Chapter
The festival climaxed with a performance of “The Darkest Chapter,” a play on reparative justice written by celebrated playwright Mr Latif Abubakar.
Featuring a collaborative cast from the National Theatre’s resident groups and Globe Productions Limited, the production provided a fitting artistic close to the festival.
It reinforced the festival’s broader message that Ghanaian theatre has significant creative and commercial potential, but requires stronger institutional and corporate partnerships to achieve sustainable growth.
GNA
Nii Martey M. Botchway
[email protected]
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong