The National Theatre, once a national pride, has been facing numerous challenges beyond its deteriorating physical structure. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, revealed at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament that efforts to revamp the facility have been hindered by the constant change of Chinese ambassadors to Ghana.
“We keep trying to get support from the Chinese government because they built the facility, but it’s been back and forth because they keep changing their ambassadors,” Mantey said. “It’s been so many years since the facility was built, and some of the technology have become outmoded, and apart from China, it will be difficult to get them from other countries.”
The National Theatre, opened in 1992, has been a venue for various events, but its outdated technology and infrastructure require urgent attention. Mantey believes that China, having constructed the facility, has the technical expertise and resources to revamp it.
Theatre enthusiasts and industry experts, including Kwame Dadzie, Socrate Safo, and George Quaye, have emphasized the need for a facelift, citing its potential to enhance performances, attract tourism, and generate revenue.
While some attribute the inertia to a lack of political will, others support the deputy minister’s stance that China’s involvement is crucial due to the terms and conditions of the initial construction agreement.
Recent minor renovations, including the installation of new air conditioners and carpet replacement, have been welcomed as a step in the right direction. However, a comprehensive revitalization is still eagerly awaited to restore the National Theatre to its former glory.
