Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has strongly condemned the persistent mockery and undervaluing of Ghana’s theatre industry, describing it as both “shameful” and “self-destructive.”
Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 Ghana Theatre Festival at the National Theatre in Accra on Tuesday, September 23, the minister—herself a seasoned actress and cultural advocate—emphasised that theatre is far more than entertainment. She called it a critical reflection of society and a powerful tool for education, transformation, and national development.
Madam Gomashie recalled how theatre students at the University of Ghana, Legon, were once mockingly referred to as “Dondologists”, a term coined to ridicule their discipline.
“This ridicule began years ago at one of our top academic institutions. You called us ‘Dondologists’ to mock who we are. Yet in the same breath, you celebrate international peers while trampling on your own. That must stop,” she said.
“Theatre reflects who we are. When you mock us, you’re mocking yourselves.”
Rejecting the outdated notion that theatre is merely pretense, the minister described it as a platform for societal problem-solving and a springboard for diverse professional pathways. She pointed to examples of professionals—including comedians who are dentists, and lawyers and architects who thrive in the arts—to underscore its relevance across fields.
“Why ridicule a space that can give you employment—even after earning a law or architecture degree?” she asked.
Madam Gomashie also highlighted theatre’s global and local significance, citing iconic figures like William Shakespeare, Anton Chekhov, Wole Soyinka, and Ghana’s own pioneers such as Efua Sutherland, Mohammed Ben Abdallah, Uncle Ebo Whyte, and Latif Abubakar.
Speaking to the festival’s theme, “Showcasing the Rich Diversity of Ghanaian Culture through Performing Arts”, she cautioned against the unchecked effects of globalisation and social media. While acknowledging the power of digital platforms to amplify Ghana’s culture, she warned that they can just as easily undermine and distort it.
“Preserving our culture is not just about showcasing it—it must be intentionally documented and promoted. Social media is a double-edged sword; it can uplift or destroy,” she warned.
On the economic front, Madam Gomashie revealed that in 2024, Ghana’s creative industry ranked as the fourth-highest foreign exchange earner. She assured stakeholders that outdated cultural policies are being reviewed to align with current trends and maximise the sector’s economic potential.
“Our collective success depends on how we grow revenue and protect the industry’s future. This festival is a moment of reflection and unity for all stakeholders,” she added.
Clad in her signature African-inspired outfit, Madam Gomashie officially declared the 2025 Ghana Theatre Festival open, urging both performers and audiences to fully embrace it.
“This is your festival. Make the best of it, because every story told, every performance delivered, holds the power to shape Ghana’s future,” she concluded.
