Ghanaian media personality and arts advocate George Quaye has appealed to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to reconsider any immediate plans to shut down the National Theatre of Ghana for renovation or maintenance works.
According to him, while the need to refurbish the iconic facility cannot be disputed, a complete closure at this time would significantly disrupt the already fragile creative arts ecosystem, affecting performers, event organisers, and other industry players who rely heavily on the venue.
Speaking on the matter, George Quaye stressed that the National Theatre remains one of the most important performance spaces in the country, hosting stage plays, concerts, dance productions, and other cultural events throughout the year. He warned that shutting it down without adequate alternative arrangements could lead to loss of income for many creatives.
He therefore urged the sector ministry to explore a phased renovation approach that would allow portions of the theatre to remain operational while work is ongoing. This, he explained, would help sustain activities and prevent a complete halt in productions.
Quaye also called for broader stakeholder consultation before any final decision is taken, emphasising that industry players should be actively involved in discussions that directly affect their livelihoods.
The National Theatre of Ghana, located in the heart of Accra, has for decades served as a hub for Ghana’s performing arts, nurturing talents and providing a platform for creative expression.
While acknowledging government’s efforts to improve infrastructure within the arts sector, George Quaye maintained that such interventions must be carefully planned to avoid unintended consequences for practitioners.
He concluded by urging the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to engage industry stakeholders and adopt a strategy that balances renovation needs with the continuity of artistic activities in the country.
