The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has held high-level strategic discussions with celebrated playwright and director Latif Abubakar to explore the potential of theatre as a cornerstone of Ghana’s global positioning and cultural diplomacy.

The meeting, held at the Jubilee House, centred on the upcoming epic production, “The Second Coming of Nkrumah – The Musical,” a play that seeks to bridge the gap between Ghana’s revolutionary past and its modern aspirations.

The engagement signals a growing recognition within the presidency of the arts as a vital "soft-power" tool to promote tourism, national unity, and Ghana’s leadership role on the continent.

At the heart of the discussion was Abubakar’s latest masterpiece, which symbolically imagines the return of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s founding President, to the contemporary African stage. Far from a mere historical reenactment, the musical is a bold, fictional exploration of how Nkrumah would confront today’s challenges, including economic sovereignty, the responsibility of the youth, and the elusive dream of continental unity.

The production is set to be a sensory feast, blending a live orchestra with intricate African choreography and Afrofuturist visuals.

By using immersive multimedia storytelling, Abubakar aims to re-examine the "unfinished project" of Pan-Africanism for a digital-age audience.

Mr. Abubakar explained that the production was designed not only as a theatrical experience, but as a “cultural instrument capable of supporting The Black Star Experience,” Ghana’s flagship cultural and tourism initiative. He further noted that theatre possesses a unique ability to “humanise history and inspire national pride while attracting global interest in Ghana’s story.”

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, lauded the initiative, acknowledging the increasing relevance of the creative arts in shaping how the world perceives Ghana. He emphasized that culture remains a powerful asset for the state, essential for fostering both international respect and domestic cohesion.

During the session, Mr. Abubakar officially extended an invitation to the Chief of Staff and the presidency staff to attend the global premiere. The move offers national leadership a firsthand look at how Ghanaian theatre can operate at a world-class, international standard.

The 2025 African Festival: A Three-Day Cultural Odyssey

“The Second Coming of Nkrumah – The Musical” will serve as the headline act for the 2025 African Festival, a massive three-day celebration of heritage and art scheduled for the end of December.

The Festival Itinerary:

• December 28: The festival opens with "Don Quixote Africa," a localized reimagining of the classic tale.
• December 29: The grand centerpiece, “The Second Coming of Nkrumah – The Musical,” will take over the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) with two shows at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• December 30: A star-studded closing concert featuring African music icons including Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Rocky Dawuni, Wiyaala, Bessa Simons, Amandzeba Nat Brew, and The Adaha Band.

The festival grounds will also host vibrant cultural exhibitions, art markets, and food courts, offering an immersive "Black Star Experience" for locals and the diaspora alike.