Gov’t to Rehabilitate National Theatre, Begin Plans for Second Facility in Kumasi

Gov’t to Rehabilitate National Theatre, Begin Plans for Second Facility in Kumasi

The government has announced major investments in Ghana’s creative sector, including the rehabilitation of the National Theatre in Accra and the development of a second national theatre in Kumasi.

Presenting the 2026 Budget Statement to Parliament on Thursday, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said the Accra facility, which has seen a decline in events and maintenance over the years, will undergo a comprehensive upgrade in 2026.

Dr. Forson added that government will begin site acquisition and architectural designs for a new national theatre in Kumasi, an initiative long advocated by stakeholders in the Ashanti Region to decentralize access to national-level creative spaces.

As part of broader efforts to revitalise the creative economy, the Minister also announced the establishment of a Film Fund to support the Ghanaian movie industry, including Kumawoodand other film associations that have faced persistent financial and production challenges.

In addition, a Creative Arts Fund will be launched to provide financing for artists in music, fashion, food, visual arts, and other creative fields.

“Mr. Speaker, in 2026, government will rehabilitate the National Theatre in Accra and commence site acquisition and design of a second national theatre in Kumasi,” Dr. Forson said. “We will establish the Film Fund to revive the film industry, including Kumawood and other associations, and create the Creative Arts Fund to support arts, music, fashion, food, and other creative sectors.”

The initiatives form part of government’s broader agenda to grow the cultural economy, improve creative infrastructure, and create more jobs within the arts industry.