A high‑level Chinese delegation has visited the National Theatre in Accra as part of preparations for its much‑anticipated rehabilitation and upgrade. The visit underscores ongoing cooperation between Ghana and China on cultural infrastructure development.
President John Dramani Mahama previously announced that the Chinese government had approved a substantial grant of 200 million Renminbi to support key development projects in Ghana, including the National Theatre renovation and the construction of the Aflao Market. This funding commitment was made during bilateral talks with Chinese leadership and forms part of broader collaboration efforts.
During the site inspection, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts emphasised that the planned refurbishment will align with the theatre’s new five‑year strategic vision and will help modernise facilities to support larger productions and year‑round programming. The National Theatre, originally constructed as a gift from China to Ghana under a technical cooperation agreement signed in 1989, remains an iconic cultural landmark in the capital.
The delegation’s leader pledged continued cooperation to help restore the theatre to international standards, while officials from the theatre’s management highlighted the need for upgrades that reflect modern technical and artistic requirements. Representatives from both the tourism ministry and the theatre leadership were present throughout the visit.
Finance plans in the 2026 national budget also include site acquisition and design work for a second national theatre in Kumasi, reflecting government efforts to expand cultural infrastructure across the country. Officials say the renovations and new projects will position Ghana’s performing arts sector for growth and wider engagement.
