The Minter for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has officially launched the 11th Ghana National Theatre Festival at the National Theatre in Accra.
The six day celebration which is aimed at promoting cultural expression through drama, dance, music, and exhibitions that depict Ghana’s diverse heritage began on Tuesday, 23rd September.
The launch was attended by high-profile personalities from the creative hector, including Yussif Issaka Jajah, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts; Dr Collins Rawlings Nunyonameb, Executive Director of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park; Rev. Ruben Kwadzofio, Ag. Executive Director of the WEB DuBois Centre, and other key stakeholders and creatives.
Speaking at the launch, Abla Dzifa Gomashie said: “Our mission must go beyond showcasing. It must become a conscious and strategic effort to preserve our identity, culture, and social cohesion, especially in a world shaped by global media and digital influence ‘’,
The Minister underscored the role of theatre as a critical medium for storytelling, education, and national development.
She reminded the audience that the creative arts sector is now the fourth-highest foreign exchange earner, generating $4.8 billion in 2024, and called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to further harness its potential.
The Executive Director of the National Theatre, Henry Herbert Malm, also highlighted how the festival’s theme aligns with the Theatre’s mission to offer a platform for cultural dialogue and artistic expression. He described the event as an opportunity for Ghanaians to connect with their roots and engage in meaningful cultural exchange.
He paid tribute to the late Mohammed Ben Abdallah, a pioneering figure in Ghanaian theatre, whose contributions have shaped the landscape of the performing arts in the country. He announced that a book of condolences would be opened at the National Theatre in his memory.
Board chair of the National Theatre, Kokor Amarteifio, echoed the theme by stating that the festival serves as Ghana’s cultural mirror, encouraging audiences to reflect on their identity and aspire to become better citizens
She affirmed that the festival had become a permanent fixture and a valuable national platform for documenting and promoting Ghana’s rich and diverse culture through the performing arts.
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