The meeting between Mr. Rex Owusu Marfo, coordinator of The Black Star Experience, and Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, on March 7, 2025, signified a crucial step towards realizing the vision of a National Theatre in Kumasi. This ambitious project, a key promise enshrined in H.E. John Dramani Mahama’s 2024 Creative Manifesto, seeks to decentralize Ghana’s vibrant arts and culture scene, nurturing regional talent and enriching the nation’s cultural tapestry. The proposed theatre’s establishment in Kumasi, a historical and cultural hub, is poised to stimulate the local creative economy, generate employment opportunities, and enhance the region’s cultural landscape, positioning it as a prominent centre for artistic expression and innovation. The discussion centered around securing a suitable location for the theatre, a pivotal factor in its successful implementation and long-term impact on the community.
The initiative aligns seamlessly with the broader national agenda of promoting cultural diversity and accessibility. By establishing a dedicated platform for artistic expression outside the capital city of Accra, the National Theatre in Kumasi aims to empower local artists, provide them with increased visibility, and foster a sense of cultural pride within the region. This decentralization strategy is expected to unlock the untapped creative potential within the Ashanti Region and contribute significantly to the national creative economy. The theatre’s presence will not only provide a venue for showcasing local talent but also attract national and international audiences, further boosting the region’s profile as a cultural destination. This will create a ripple effect, stimulating related industries such as hospitality, tourism, and transportation, contributing to broader economic growth and development.
Beyond the immediate economic benefits, the National Theatre in Kumasi holds the potential to become a hub for cultural exchange and dialogue, fostering understanding and appreciation for the rich artistic heritage of the Ashanti Region. It will serve as a platform for showcasing traditional art forms, promoting contemporary artistic expressions, and facilitating cross-cultural collaborations. This will contribute to the preservation and promotion of Ghana’s diverse cultural heritage while simultaneously nurturing innovation and creativity within the arts sector. The theatre’s presence is expected to inspire a new generation of artists and cultural practitioners, further enriching the nation’s cultural landscape and strengthening its identity on the global stage.
Furthermore, the meeting also touched upon another project spearheaded by Mr. Rex Owusu Marfo, focused on developing the Lake Bosomtwe enclave. While specifics of this initiative remain undisclosed, its anticipated unveiling promises to further enhance the Ashanti Region’s tourism appeal and contribute to its economic prosperity. Lake Bosomtwe, a natural wonder and a significant cultural site, holds immense potential for eco-tourism and cultural tourism. Developing this enclave in a sustainable manner could generate significant economic opportunities for local communities while preserving the natural beauty and cultural significance of the lake. This project, alongside the National Theatre initiative, underscores the commitment to leveraging the region’s unique assets to drive economic growth and development.
The combined impact of the National Theatre and the Lake Bosomtwe development projects aligns perfectly with the president’s vision of transforming Ghana into the premier tourism destination in West Africa, as outlined in the NDC Manifesto and championed by The Black Star Experience. By investing in cultural infrastructure and promoting sustainable tourism development, the government aims to attract a greater share of the regional tourism market, generating revenue, creating jobs, and enhancing Ghana’s international profile. These initiatives will not only benefit the Ashanti Region but also contribute to the overall national development agenda, fostering economic growth, promoting cultural exchange, and strengthening Ghana’s position as a leading cultural and tourism hub in West Africa.
The expressed gratitude of Mr. Owusu Marfo to the Ashanti Regional Minister for his demonstrable interest in the creative industry highlights the importance of collaborative partnerships in realizing these ambitious projects. The success of both initiatives hinges on the continued support and engagement of government officials, local communities, and stakeholders within the creative industry. By working together, they can ensure that these projects not only meet their economic and developmental objectives but also contribute to the cultural enrichment and social well-being of the people of the Ashanti Region and Ghana as a whole. The National Theatre in Kumasi and the Lake Bosomtwe development project represent significant investments in the future of the Ashanti Region, promising to unlock its immense potential and contribute to the nation’s overall prosperity.
