Our Terms & Conditions | Our Privacy Policy
THE 2025 edition of the Ghana Theatre Festival opened in Accra Tuesday with a call to recognise theatre as a driver of national development and cultural preservation.
Held under the theme “Showcasing the Rich Diversity of Ghanaian Culture through the Performing Arts,” the six-day festival will run until September 28, bringing together theatre practitioners, artists, and performance groups from across the country to celebrate Ghana’s cultural heritage.
The festival’s lineup includes a Legend Night to honour distinguished contributors to the arts, a senior high school performance supported by veteran playwright Uncle Ebo Whyte, a symposium on arts taxation, as well as exhibitions, a master class, dance aerobics, live painting, and a food bazaar.
Opening the festival at the National Theatre, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ms Dzifa Gomashie, urged Ghanaians to appreciate theatre not only as a form of entertainment but also as a tool for national identity, cultural preservation, and social cohesion.
“This space we call theatre has the potential to change the story of our country. We reflect what society is and what we want it to be. When you mock us, you mock yourselves,” she said.
The Minister challenged critics who downplay the creative arts, stressing that the industry draws on professionals across diverse fields such as law, medicine, and architecture. She cited cultural icons including Efua Sutherland, Uncle Ebo Whyte, and Latif Abubakar as figures who have used theatre to shape public discourse.
Ms Gomashie further warned that globalisation and the pervasive influence of social media threaten Ghana’s cultural values.
She urged stakeholders to move “beyond mere showcasing to deliberate preservation,” cautioning that without conscious effort, the nation risks losing its cultural identity.
While commending positive digital influencers such as Wode Maya and Kwadwo Sheldon, she also cautioned against the misuse of online platforms to “trample on our culture.”
Highlighting government’s commitment to repositioning the creative sector, she noted that tourism and culture generated GH¢4.8 billion in 2024 as Ghana’s fourth-highest foreign exchange earner, with even greater potential through targeted investment and legal reforms.
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Theatre, Mr Henry Herbert Malm, also underscored the role of the performing arts in fostering unity and socio-cultural growth.
“The performing arts go beyond entertainment. They are essential for strengthening national identity, cohesion, and cultural development,” he said, urging collaboration among artists, policymakers, and communities to harness Ghana’s cultural assets.
Follow Ghanaian Times WhatsApp Channel today.
Trusted News. Real Stories. Anytime, Anywhere.
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.
Aggregated From –
Comments are closed.