Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie has urged the youth to take advantage of the vast employment and growth opportunities in the theatre.

She described the sector as a viable pathway for career development and national progress.

She made the call during the 2026 World Theatre Day commemoration held at Somé Senior High School.

Students from the Klikor Senior High Technical School, Somé Senior High School, St Paul’s Senior High School, and Three Town Senior High School in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region participated in the event.

The event was organised by the National Theatre of Ghana.

The Minister stressed that theatre was not only a form of entertainment but also an industry with diverse career opportunities, encouraging students to explore its potential with confidence and creativity.

She noted that theatre remains a powerful tool for unity and identity, as it brings people together to share stories, reflect on societal issues, and celebrate culture.

Madam Gomashie explained that in a world increasingly dominated by digital platforms, theatre continues to offer a unique human experience, where performers and audiences interact in real time, fostering deeper emotional and intellectual connections.

She said theatre has long served as a platform to educate, entertain, and advocate for social change, adding that it can give voice to the voiceless, challenge injustice, and inspire transformation.

According to the Minister, through drama and dance, theatre promotes tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence, while strengthening social bonds within communities.

Referencing the 2026 International World Theatre Day message by renowned actor Willem Dafoe, the Minister underscored the importance of live performance in sustaining human connection in a fast-evolving world.

She noted that this year’s celebration was particularly relevant to students, as it aligned with academic studies involving literary texts such as “The Son of Umbele” by Bill Marshall, further highlighting the role of theatre in education.

Madam Gomashie encouraged students to be bold, think critically, and express themselves freely, stressing that the youth remain central to the future of Ghana’s creative arts industry.

She urged them not to look down on themselves but rather use their talents and exposure to theatre as a guide in choosing meaningful career paths, adding that the sector offers opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

The Minister also called on parents and guardians to support young people with interests in the creative arts to enable them to fully develop their potential.

She described the students as the heartbeat of the celebration and challenged them to imagine, question, and help build a better society.

The event featured a stage performance of “The Son of Umbele” by Bill Marshall, which climaxed the celebration, captivating the audience and reinforcing the role of theatre in storytelling and education.

World Theatre Day is observed globally to recognise the role of theatre in shaping societies, nurturing creativity, and strengthening cultural identity.