The Ghana National Theatre is set to undergo extensive renovation works aimed at transforming the iconic cultural edifice into a modern facility that meets contemporary production standards and delivers world-class creative experiences.

The theatre, which has served as a hub for Ghana’s performing arts for over three decades, is currently grappling with infrastructural and technical challenges, resulting in some systems and departments not functioning optimally.

The planned refurbishment is expected to address these issues and restore the monument’s glory.

A delegation from the Chinese government met with the leadership of the National Theatre, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, directors from the ministry, and architects to discuss the scope of work after touring the facility for a first-hand assessment.

Mr Henry Herbert Malm, Executive Director of the National Theatre, described the renovation as a crucial step toward strengthening the theatre’s capacity to deliver high-quality productions.

He said the upgrades would modernise technical facilities, improve safety standards, and create a more comfortable environment for performers, staff, and audiences.

“This renovation reflects our commitment to staying relevant in a rapidly evolving creative industry,” he added.

Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, expressed excitement that the long-standing plan for refurbishment was finally taking shape.

She commended the Chinese government for its commitment to supporting the project, noting that the agreement was reached during President John Dramani Mahama’s recent five-day visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

She said the National Theatre had been an indispensable platform for domestic and international cultural collaboration and learning, adding that the facelift would provide opportunities for talented individuals to showcase and develop their craft.

“We are counting on strong collaboration with the government and people of China, and we expect that in a very short time this renovation will see the light of day,” she said.

Mr Li Yaohong, leader of the Chinese delegation, said Ghana’s rich cultural heritage in West Africa was the reason China initially built the monument and now agreed to refurbish it.

He announced that the Chinese government had committed $30 million (¥200 million yuan) to support two projects – the National Theatre and an off-road market.

“Our budget is limited, so we propose that you prioritise the most urgently needed parts of the building. Our head office in Beijing will send a technical team to Ghana to review more details,” Mr Yaohong said.

Key areas identified for refurbishment include the various halls, stages, storage spaces, air-conditioning systems, safety installations such as fencing, CCTV, modern firefighting equipment, and an overall facelift of the compound.

The National Theatre was constructed under an agreement signed on July 5, 1989. Work commenced on March 8, 1990, and was completed on December 16, 1992. It was officially commissioned on December 30, 1992.

The facility was designed to spearhead Ghana’s theatre movement by providing a multi-functional venue for concerts, dance, drama, musical performances, exhibitions, and special events.

It currently houses three resident companies – the National Dance Company, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the National Drama Company.