China to Fund Rehabilitation and Modernisation of Ghana's National Theatre

The Ghanaian government's efforts to revitalise the country's creative arts industry have received a boost with the announcement that China's government will provide support for the rehabilitation and modernisation of the National Theatre in Ghana. Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, revealed this development at the Ghana Special Session of the Global Dialogue on Stability and Prosperity in Accra on November 6, 2026.

The project aims to upgrade the theatre's technical capabilities, creating opportunities for artists and creative entrepreneurs while strengthening its role as a centre for performing arts and cultural activities. According to Madam Gomashie, the intervention will go beyond preserving the national landmark to promote cultural exchange, contribute to tourism development, and drive economic growth. This move is expected to have a positive impact on Ghana's creative arts industry.

Madam Gomashie also called for increased Chinese investment in Ghana's manufacturing and tourism sectors. She urged businesses to establish factories locally, promoting technology transfer and sustainable employment. The Minister emphasised that Ghana has the qualified personnel to work in these industries and that establishing factories in the country would enable local workers to acquire industrial skills and knowledge.

The proposed factories would also create employment opportunities for young people, according to Madam Gomashie. She stressed that it is only when factories have been established in Ghana that transfer of knowledge will occur, and the youth will get sustainable employment. This, she believes, is crucial for the country's development.

On the broader Ghana-China relationship, Madam Gomashie highlighted the importance of adapting China's development experience to Ghana's local circumstances. She questioned whether Ghana can copy China's approach and put it within its own cultural context. This, she believes, is essential for effective cooperation between the two countries.

Madam Gomashie emphasised that cooperation between Ghana and China should prioritise technology transfer, industrial capacity, human capital development, and job creation. She believes that this approach will ensure that Ghana benefits maximally from its partnership with China. The Minister's comments reflect Ghana's desire to derive more value from its international partnerships.

The rehabilitation and modernisation of the National Theatre are expected to contribute to Ghana's economic growth and development. The project will not only improve the theatre's facilities but also promote cultural exchange and tourism development. Key aspects of the project include upgrading the theatre's technical capabilities and creating opportunities for artists and creative entrepreneurs.

Key points

• The project aims to upgrade the theatre's technical capabilities and create opportunities for artists and creative entrepreneurs.
• The intervention will promote cultural exchange, contribute to tourism development, and drive economic growth.
• Madam Gomashie called for increased Chinese investment in Ghana's manufacturing and tourism sectors.