Kumasi is getting a new National Theatre. Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson made the pledge on Thursday, 12 November, as he presented the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament. “Government will complete a new National Theatre in Kumasi as a cultural, performance, conference and creative-industry asset,” he said, according to the official 2027 Budget Speech published by the Ministry of Finance.
The promise falls under Pillar 5 of the budget, which sets aside US$1 billion for tourism, culture and the creative arts. “We will invest US$1 billion to turn these strengths into a year-round visitor economy that earns foreign exchange, sustains creative enterprise and creates better jobs across the country,” the minister told the House.
December in Ghana stays, but the calendar gets longer
For the music and events scene, one line will stand out. “December in Ghana will remain a powerful anchor, while heritage journeys, ancestry services, family reunions, education programmes and the creative arts will create reasons to visit throughout the year,” Dr Forson said. He added that the Black Star Experience “will run through all twelve months”, backed by a national calendar and competitive destination bidding to spread visitors across seasons and regions.
The speech also says SSNIT will build and run an ultra-modern international convention centre at the La Trade Fair Centre. Accra will be the main hub, while Kumasi will be developed as a complementary destination, “drawing on its rich cultural heritage to host business, cultural and other major events”.
What it could mean for artistes and promoters
As Adomonline reported, a major venue in Kumasi could give artistes and event organisers in the Ashanti Region a modern space for productions and large-scale events, and ease the reliance on the National Theatre in Accra.
The full budget statement allocates GH¢186 million to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts “to support the industries through which Ghana shares its heritage and creativity”. It also reports that the Copyright Office registered 921 copyright works and arrested ten movie-house operators for unlicensed exhibition in its anti-piracy drive, and expects to register more than 1,100 works in 2027. The speech did not give a timeline or a cost for the Kumasi theatre.
The plans land as the festive season builds, with events such as AFESTACC and StoryFest heading to Accra in December.
Would a new National Theatre change the game for Kumasi’s music and arts scene? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
