Ghana will renovate the National Theatre in Accra with a US$30 million pledge from the Chinese government, deepening decades‑long cultural and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries. The funding was confirmed by Ghanaian and Chinese officials and forms part of China’s broader commitment to support infrastructure and cultural projects in Ghana.
The National Theatre, a landmark cultural venue opened in 1992 as a gift from China, has long been central to Ghana’s performing arts scene, hosting drama, dance, music and exhibitions. Its original construction symbolised the strong bilateral ties between Ghana and China after Accra supported Beijing following the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre.
In recent days, a high‑level Chinese delegation visited the theatre site in preparation for the renovation works, which are expected to begin after planning and design phases are completed. Officials from Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and the theatre’s leadership joined the visit, stressing the need for upgrades that meet modern technical and artistic standards.
The renovation is part of Ghana’s 2026 infrastructure agenda. In October, President John Dramani Mahama announced that China had approved an additional 200 million Renminbi (about GH¢315.7 million / roughly US$27–US$28 million) grant for development projects, including support for the National Theatre and the Aflao Market in the Volta Region. That grant builds on earlier commitments and accelerates plans to restore the theatre to international standards.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson confirmed in Parliament that the National Theatre will be rehabilitated in 2026. The government also plans to begin site acquisition and design for a second national theatre in Kumasi, expanding cultural infrastructure outside the capital.
Officials say the renovation will not only improve structural and technical capacities, but also enable the venue to host larger productions and support year‑round programming, boosting revenue from performances and events. The rehabilitation aligns with broader efforts to revitalise Ghana’s cultural sector, which has struggled with ageing facilities amid growing demand from artists and audiences.
Tourism and culture stakeholders have welcomed the commitment, noting the theatre’s historical importance and its role in promoting Ghanaian culture at home and abroad. The facility is home to key resident companies, including the National Dance Company, National Symphony Orchestra and the National Drama Company, and hosts major festivals such as the Ghana Theatre Festival.
China’s involvement underscores its long‑standing role in Ghanaian cultural infrastructure. Beyond the theatre’s original construction and renovation pledges, bilateral relations include extensive cooperation in education, trade, and technical assistance, reflecting a multifaceted partnership that has evolved over decades.
