A high-level Chinese delegation on Tuesday toured the National Theatre in Accra to assess the state of the facility and advance plans for its long-anticipated renovation, signaling fresh momentum toward restoring one of Ghana’s most prominent cultural landmarks.
The visit, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, comes as the government accelerates efforts to modernize key cultural institutions. Officials said the renovation will support the Theatre’s new five-year strategic vision and strengthen its role as a hub for Ghana’s expanding creative industry.
Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie said the project reflects Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage while deepening cooperation with China, which financed the original construction of the Theatre. She praised China’s “consistent and meaningful support” to Ghana’s cultural development and noted that the refurbishment will prioritize structural upgrades, improved technology and enhanced accessibility.
Acting Executive Director of the National Theatre, Henry Malm, and Board Chair Korkor Amarteifio highlighted the urgent need for modernization to match international performance standards. They stressed that the creative sector requires state-of-the-art infrastructure to nurture talent, host diverse productions and attract global partnerships.
The Chinese delegation, led by Li Yaohong, reaffirmed China’s willingness to collaborate on the renovation, describing the Theatre as a symbol of the long-standing Ghana-China relationship. Technical teams from both sides are expected to continue detailed assessments in the coming weeks.
Senior officials from the Ministry and the National Theatre Board accompanied the delegation during the tour.
The planned renovation, once underway, is expected to position the National Theatre for a new era of cultural programming and strengthen Ghana’s ambitions to become a leading destination for arts and creative expression in West Africa