Abla Dzifa Gomashie with reps from the National Theatre
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, today officially launched the 11th Ghana National Theatre Festival at the National Theatre in Accra, under the theme “Showcasing the Rich Diversity of Ghanaian Culture Through Performing Arts.”
The six-day celebration aims to promote cultural expression through drama, dance, music, and exhibitions that reflect Ghana’s multifaceted heritage.
In her address, Gomashie emphasised the significance of the theme, noting that showcasing Ghana’s cultural diversity is not just about celebration but also about preservation, promotion, and development.
“Our mission must go beyond showcasing. It must become a conscious and strategic effort to preserve our identity, culture, and social cohesion, especially in a world shaped by global media and digital influence,” she stated.
The Minister underscored the role of theatre as a critical medium for storytelling, education, and national development.
She reminded the audience that the creative arts sector is now the fourth-highest foreign exchange earner, generating $4.8 billion in 2024, and called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to further harness its potential.
The Executive Director of the National Theatre, Henry Herbert Malm, also highlighted how the festival’s theme aligns with the Theatre’s mission to offer a platform for cultural dialogue and artistic expression. He described the event as an opportunity for Ghanaians to connect with their roots and engage in meaningful cultural exchange.
Malm paid tribute to the late Mohammed Ben Abdallah, a pioneering figure in Ghanaian theatre, whose contributions have shaped the landscape of the performing arts in the country. He announced that a book of condolences would be opened at the National Theatre in his memory.
Board Chair of the National Theatre, Kokor Amarteifio, echoed the theme by stating that the festival serves as Ghana’s cultural mirror, encouraging audiences to reflect on their identity and aspire to become better citizens.
She affirmed that the festival had become a permanent fixture and a valuable national platform for documenting and promoting Ghana’s rich and diverse culture through the performing arts.
The launch was attended by high-profile personalities from the creative sector, including Yussif Issaka Jajah, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts; Dr Collins Rawlings Nunyonameh, Executive Director of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park; Rev. Ruben Kwadzofio, Ag. Executive Director of the WEB DuBois Centre, and other key stakeholders and creatives.
The 2025 Ghana Theatre Festival runs for six days and features a lineup of performances and exhibitions that celebrate the depth and richness of Ghana’s cultural heritage through the performing arts.
