The theatre, which has served as a hub for Ghana’s performing arts for more than three decades, is currently facing infrastructural and technical challenges that have affected the optimal functioning of some systems and departments. The planned refurbishment is expected to address these challenges and restore the monument to its former glory.

A delegation from the Chinese government recently met with the leadership of the National Theatre, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, directors from the ministry and architects to discuss the scope of work, following a tour of the facility for a first-hand assessment.

The Executive Director of the National Theatre, Henry Herbert Malm, described the renovation as a critical step towards strengthening the theatre’s capacity to deliver high-quality productions. He said the proposed upgrades would modernise technical facilities, improve safety standards and create a more comfortable environment for performers, staff and audiences.

“This renovation reflects our commitment to staying relevant in a rapidly evolving creative industry,” he said.

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, expressed excitement that the long-standing plan to refurbish the theatre was finally taking shape. She commended the Chinese government for its commitment to supporting the project, noting that the agreement was reached during President John Dramani Mahama’s recent five-day visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

She said the National Theatre had remained an indispensable platform for domestic and international cultural collaboration and learning, adding that the facelift would create opportunities for talented individuals to showcase and further develop their craft.

“We are counting on strong collaboration with the government and people of China, and we expect that in a very short time this renovation will see the light of day,” she said.

The leader of the Chinese delegation, Mr Li Yaohong, said Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and its significance in West Africa were the reasons China initially built the National Theatre and had now agreed to refurbish it. He announced that the Chinese government had committed $30 million, equivalent to ¥200 million, to support two projects—the National Theatre and an off-road market.Ghana travel guide

“Our budget is limited, so we propose that you prioritise the most urgently needed parts of the building. Our head office in Beijing will send a technical team to Ghana to review more details,” Mr Yaohong said.

Key areas identified for refurbishment include the various halls and stages, storage spaces, air-conditioning systems, safety installations such as fencing and CCTV, modern firefighting equipment, and a general facelift of the entire compound.

The National Theatre was constructed under an agreement signed on July 5, 1989. Work began on March 8, 1990, and was completed on December 16, 1992, with official commissioning on December 30, 1992.

The facility was designed to spearhead Ghana’s theatre movement by providing a multi-functional venue for concerts, dance, drama, musical performances, exhibitions and special events. It currently houses three resident companies—the National Dance Company, the National Symphony Orchestra and the National Drama Company.

President John Dramani Mahama announced in October that the Chinese government had approved an additional 200 million Renminbi (about GH¢315.7m) grant to support key development projects in Ghana, including the renovation of the National Theatre and the construction of the Aflao Market in the Volta Region. The funding was confirmed during bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Consequently, in the 2026 Budget Statement, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson said government will rehabilitate the National Theatre in Accra next year and begin site acquisition and design for a second national theatre in Kumasi. He said the works will help the venue host larger productions and support year‑round programming.  

During the visit by the Chinese delegation, Hon Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, said the refurbishment will align with the theatre’s new five‑year strategic vision and acknowledged China’s longstanding support for Ghana’s cultural sector.

Mr Li Yaohong, leader of the Chinese delegation, pledged continued cooperation to help restore the National Theatre to international standard.

Acting Executive Director of the Theatre, Mr Henry Malm, and Board Chair Mrs Korkor Amarteifio also stressed the need for upgrades that reflect modern technical and artistic needs.

The visit was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, with senior officials from both the ministry and the theatre in attendance.

The Chinese delegation’s visit follows President Mahama’s broader economic reset agenda, which seeks to strengthen infrastructure and attract foreign support for development projects across Ghana.

The National Theatre of Ghana in Accra was built by the People’s Republic of China for Ghana as a gift under a technical cooperation agreement signed by both governments in July 1989.

Construction began on 8th March 1990 and the building was completed on 16th December 1992. It was officially handed over and opened on 30th December 1992. The theatre was designed by Chinese architects Cheng Taining and Ye Xianghan and is one of the landmark cultural buildings in Ghana’s capital.

Dr. Forson revealed that the government will rehabilitate the National Theatre in Accra and begin site acquisition and design for a second national theatre in Kumasi.

He also announced the establishment of a Film Fund to revive the local film industry, including Kumawood and other film associations.

Additionally, a Creative Arts Fund will be created to support the arts, music, fashion, food, and other creative sectors, underscoring the government’s commitment to boosting Ghana’s cultural economy.

“Mr. Speaker, in 2026, government will rehabilitate the National Theatre in Accra and commence site acquisition and design of a second national theatre in Kumasi. We will establish the Film Fund to revive the film industry, including Kumawood and other associations, and create the Creative Arts Fund to support arts, music, fashion, food, and other creative sectors,” he stated.

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The meeting, held on March 7, 2025, focused on discussions regarding a suitable land allocation for the theatre project, a promise made by former President John Dramani Mahama in his 2024 Creative Manifesto.

The initiative aims to decentralise Ghana’s arts and culture scene, providing a platform for regional talents and fostering cultural expression. It is expected to stimulate the creative economy, create job opportunities, and enhance the cultural landscape of the Ashanti Region.

During the meeting, Rex Omar also introduced a proposed project centred around the Lake Bosomtwe enclave. While details of this project remain undisclosed, it is expected to be unveiled to the media and the public in due course.

Both projects are anticipated to boost tourism, generate employment, and drive economic development in the Ashanti Region. This aligns with the president’s vision to position Ghana as the leading tourism destination in West Africa, as outlined in the NDC Manifesto under the Black Star Experience initiative.

Mr. Owusu Marfo expressed his gratitude to the minister for his interest in the creative industry following their deliberations.

Themed “A Rich Performing Arts Industry: The Role of Public Policy, the event brought together relevant stakeholders in the creative arts industry.

The event provided a platform for creatives to propose solutions on how the Ghanaian creative industry can grow.

Wednesday’s gathering is a prelude of a major conference scheduled for October 2, 2024.

A Pan Africanist Scholar and writer; Prof. Esi Sutherland-Addy, Dr Edward Odoi, Mr, Kwame Boadi and Mr Joseph Sarpong were the speakers for this conference which was moderated by Apiorkor Seyiram Ashong-Abbey.

The speakers acknowledged that, a rich performing arts industry is vital to a thriving cultural landscape and there was the need for a public policy to nurture the industry.

They advocated for investment in creative infrastructure as well as improved funding and financing, a policy framework to strengthen intellectual property rights.

However, they noted all these must be backed by comprehensive research and data on the creative economy to help boost capacity and promote stability.

In attendance were: Nana Fredua-Agyeman Ofori-Atta;Board Chairman National Theatre, former Ablekuma South MP and former Information Minister, Fritz Baffour, Dean of the School of Performing Arts; Prof. Awo Mana Asiedu among other industry players.

Below are some photos

The hawkers, who mostly sell to commuters in the traffic light intersection in front of the Theatre, occupy the space until evening, with the homeless making sides of the Theatre and the Afua Sutherland Children’s Park, a ‘home’.

The development, coupled with the seeming neglect of the Theatre’s surroundings, has given the place an unattractive appearance.

The area houses some major hotels, including the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel and the Accra City Hotel, normally booked for international conferences.

The Cedi House, British Council, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated and the African Trade House, which houses both Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and Ghana EXIM Bank, are all situated there.

The Theatre is near the Ministries enclave, where many government ministries, departments and agencies are located.

Madam Emmy Frimpong, the Executive Director of the National Theatre, in an interview with the GNA, said the maintenance of the surroundings was the responsibility of the local Assembly.

She said efforts to have them (hawkers and homeless) to leave the area had been unsuccessful.

When contacted, the Public Relations Office of the Korley Klottey Municipal Assembly said the Assembly had engaged the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to address the situation to no avail.

The National Theatre was established in 1992 to spearhead the theatre movement of Ghana and provide the needed multi-functional venue for concerts, dance, drama and musical performances, screen plays, exhibitions, and unique events.

The facility, which occupies an 11,896 square meters, is located at the Independence Avenue and Liberia Road intersection.

The Liberation Road is one of the busiest roads in Accra central connecting other parts of the national capital.

Madam Eunice Amankwah, a receptionist in one of the Ministries, described the spectacle as an eyesore. “This is a terribly busy place. A lot of dignitaries and ordinary people use the road in front of the Theatre, so these traders and homeless people are not supposed to be here at all. Authorities of the Theatre and the Clean Ghana Authorities must do something about it. It is an eyesore,” she said.

John Amedo, a passerby, said the authorities must address the situation in time.

Source: GNA

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While the exterior and interior amenities deteriorate, officials appear to hinge their salvation on the foreign partner that funded and presented the once iconic facility to the country.

A Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, revealed at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament last Wednesday that several efforts to liaise with the Chinese government to revamp the National Theatre had been affected by the constant change of Chinese ambassadors to Ghana over the years.

“We keep trying to get support from the Chinese government because they built the facility, but it’s been back and forth because they keep changing their ambassadors”.

“It’s been so many years since the facility was built, and some of the technology have become outmoded, and apart from China, it will be difficult to get them from other countries,” he said.

The National Theatre was opened on December 30, 1992 to spearhead theatre movement in the country. Construction of the facility started on March 8, 1990.

Mr Mantey appeared before the committee together with the management of the National Theatre.

He expressed the belief that since the theatre was constructed by the Chinese government, China had the technical know-how and the right technologies to work on the physical structure of the facility.

The deputy minister indicated that the management of the facility had done what it could over the years to maintain the place but admitted that it was not enough.

Looking at the number of years the theatre had been in existence, he said the situation would have been worse if there was no  maintenance culture.

“It’s been relatively not as bad as it’s been painted to the public. If you look at how much they make and how much they will need to maintain it, it will only take the government to assist in that regard,” the deputy minister said.

Three decades

The National Theatre which was handed over to the government in 1992 has over the years provided a fitting venue for multi-functional events such as concerts, dance, drama, musical performances, screenplays, exhibitions and special events.

However, in an era where the use of modern equipment and technology is ruling the world, it will not be out of place to have a theatre with virtual, mixed and augmented reality and other emerging technologies to widen and enhance performances.

Theatre enthusiasts and creative personnel have been looking forward to this.

Structural longevity

An entertainment journalist and theatre enthusiast, Kwame Dadzie, has said revamping the National Theatre was long overdue, insisting that it should be done with an eye on structural longevity.

“It will be a dream come true, in fact, it will be of great help to, not just the theatre sector, but also the creative space as a whole. It will give the facility a facelift, make it more attractive for events and a vibrant tourist centre which can translate into a lot of revenue for the sector,” he told the Daily Graphic.

Government will support

However, Kwame Dadzie disagrees with the deputy minister and rather believes the inertia was due to the lack of political will.

“It has nothing to do with the Chinese government. It is simply lack of government’s will and resolve to fix the theatre,” he insisted.

The Director of Creative Arts at the National Commission for Culture (NCC), Ghana, Socrate Safo, also shared in Kwame Dadzie’s position that the facelift would do the industry a lot of good.

“I’m one of the people who have been championing this cause for a facelift, so yes, it will mean a lot to the industry if that comes to pass”.

“As you can see, in recent times, the place has been very vibrant with the influx of shows, be they theatre or comedy and you can only imagine what will happen if we get all the technology and other things in place,” Mr Safo said.

To the contrary, Mr Safo said he was in support of the Deputy Minister that it had to take China to help fix the theatre.

“You know, I can’t go into details but yes, there are terms and conditions to everything. Since the Chinese constructed it and handed it over, it’s appropriate that we go back to them,” the Director of Creative Arts at the National Commission for Culture said.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Image Bureau, an event production entity, George Quaye, said revamping the National Theatre was vital for many reasons.

“It serves as a hub for Ghanaian arts and culture, showcasing local talent and preserving cultural heritage. Revamping it would enhance its role in promoting Ghanaian identity and creativity,” he said.

Mr Quaye pointed out that a modernised National Theatre could attract more local and international performances, increasing tourism and generating revenue for the local economy as well as create jobs in the arts, hospitality and related sectors.

“Upgrading the facilities would provide artistes with better resources for production, rehearsal and performance, fostering a more vibrant arts scene,” he added.

Mr Quaye pointed out that a revitalised national theatre could engage more community members, encourage participation in the arts, stressing that it could also serve as a venue for educational programmes and workshops aimed at nurturing the next generation of artistes.

On what the deputy minister said, Mr Quaye declined to respond to it because, “I don’t even know how to respond”, he said.

Development

Recently, the National Theatre secured eight air conditioners and had its carpet changed after being called out by industry players.

A film and television director, playwright and theatre producer, Evans Eyram Adorkor, said the intervention was a step in the right direction.

The CEO of Kritik Production also explained that if the refurbishment was done well, it would contribute significantly to development.

“It will create jobs, boost the economy and nurture new talents. Once it helps them to generate revenue, it will boost the sector’s finances,” Mr Adorkor said.

Source: GraphicOnline

Professor Martin Owusu is an acclaimed scriptwriter and a long time lecturer at the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Ghana.

He is credited for his contribution to the development of Ghana’s arts and culture.

The Legend of Aku Sika was written by Professor Martin Owusu, who is also a renowned playwright, actor and director.

Actress and media personality, Naa Ashorkor, who is also CEO of April Communications makes her debut as production director, assisted by George Quaye, CEO of image Bureau.

The Legend of Aku Sika won Prof. Martin Owusu an ECRAG award in the late 90s. It is a stage play transposed from an old folktale Aku Sika.

This anticipated production will take centre stage at the National Theatre in Accra on May 3 and 4, 2024, with performances at 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM each day.

‘In the Chest of a Woman’ tells the compelling story of a courageous woman who challenges societal norms by disguising her daughter as a boy, aiming to secure the throne for her to become the empire’s king – a secret she must protect at all costs.

Set against the backdrop of Ghanaian society, the play delves into themes of women empowerment, gender roles, and family inheritance rights, providing audiences with a thought-provoking exploration of cultural and social dynamics.

Featuring a stellar cast including Akofa Edjeani, Clemento Suarez, Jeneral Ntatea, Edinam Atatsi, Henry Agbai, Emmanuel Ato Ghartey, and more, ‘In the Chest of a Woman’ promises to deliver powerful performances that resonate with audiences long after the final curtain falls.

In addition to the stage production, audiences will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a special pre-Mother’s Day exhibition curated by the renowned filmmaker Mr. Kwaw Ansah and the Bisa Aberwa Museum. This exhibition will showcase rich artefacts and collections celebrating womanhood, offering a unique complement to the themes explored in the play.

“The Africa Arts Network is thrilled to present ‘In the Chest of a Woman’ to audiences in Accra,” said Kofi Adinkra, founder of Africa Arts Network and producer of the play.

According to him, this production represents a culmination of our commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange to promote the African experience globally.

“We invite theatregoers to join us for an unforgettable experience that celebrates the strength, resilience, and complexity of womanhood.”

Tickets for ‘In the Chest of a Woman’ are available for purchase online on egoticket.com now or at the National Theatre box office on the days of the performances.

The National Theatre, opened in 1992, was built in 1991 by the Chinese and offered as a gift to Ghana. The theatre is governed by the National Theatre Law 1991, PNDC Law 259.

It provides a multi-functional venue for concerts, dance, drama and musical performances, screenplays, exhibitions and special events.

After over 30 years of its establishment, a lot of people have raised concerns about the structure.

Kojo Akoto Boateng is a recent Facebook post has mooted an idea that has gotten a lot of people talking.

“The National Theatre building must be pulled down and rebuilt. The new structure must be a multi-storey building with theatres of different capacities, car parks, art galleries, art shops and residential accommodation. It will be a better use of the 3.5 acre land. If the state cannot fund this, let’s get into a JV and transform this space,” he wrote.

While some people have lauded his opinion, others think pulling down the building is a bad idea.

“I think it is a good idea. If this government had fulfilled its pledge to construct at least one theatre in each region, pulling down the national theatre would not have been much of a challenge. What would be the short-term plan for the resident groups that rehearse and work permanently at the theatre? Probably we could treat the project under a certificate of urgency and give ourselves one year maximum to construct the new one. There are examples of construction works that were done in a short period and turned out to be of high standard. We can do it,” Nii OB writes on Facebook.

Another Facebook user, Nii Odartey Lamptey shared a comment: “Transforming Trade fair kraaa has taken a decade now still nothing to show for it. Just look at the space over there.”

According to Nana Bonsu, Kojo’s suggestion is laudable. “He’s right. That building if I’m not wrong is over 20 years old and the design I’m sure is outdated and honestly lacks lots of facilities. There are more modern designs and engineering we can employ in the rebuilding or remodeling befitting a place for arts . I think which ever government agency is responsible for arts should take him up on his idea.”

One person who also disagrees with Kojo is Rof Roc. He wrote on Facebook: “It shouldn’t be pulled down… What is wrong with us Ghanaians and pulling things down, that’s a national monument that needs serious renovations and additions, not destruction. They should build new one in Kumasi or Tamale to also support arts in those regions.”

The management of the National Theatre has been under flak over what has been described as unfavourable conditions at the facility.

Some have complained the air-conditioning system at the theatre does not function to the optimum capacity. Others have cited unavailability of a stand-by generator, among others as issues that need critical attention.

Creatives like the late Nana Kwame Ampadu, Fiifi Coleman, Chief Moomen and Kojo Antwi have expressed their dissatisfaction with the edifice and its operations.

On October 1, 2023, Dr. Mensa Otabil, the General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church, in his address during the Experience Conference 2023 at the Maker’s House Chapel, described the National Theatre as being “under severe malnourishment”.

Otabil made the comment while complimenting Dr. Michael Boadi Nyamekye, the Founder of Maker’s House Chapel, for putting up state-of-the-art auditoriums.

“Many times, when we see God use a person like Dr. Boadi Nyamekye here, and you see him and see the amazing work that God has done with him,” he said.

“In this church on this campus, you have one of the most beautiful church campuses anywhere this is, this is a high-class place,” he added.

Making reference to the National Theatre, he mentioned how difficult it would be for the government to put up a structure the Maker’s House Chapel’s.

“This is how even government of Ghana will struggle to build this and I am not in any way insulting the Government of Ghana. I’m just speaking like Jesus Christ… Let the facts be the facts. Because you know, our National Theatre which is under severe malnourishment was built by the Chinese and dashed to us,” he said.

In a recent interview with Onua TV, music maestro, Kojo Antwi, while revealing the secret behind why he stopped hosting his annual December 24 concerts at the National Theatre, cited as reasons, poor maintenance culture of the National Theatre and lack of the right resources at the venue to aid his creative stage ideas.

“The place has fallen short of a theatre, maintaining the place has become difficult for those who are handling the theatre and as an artist, I don’t belong to a hall,” Kojo said.

“As an artiste, sometimes you become half full of a glass, sometimes, you get to the top of the glass, and sometimes when your ideas get wider, you outgrow the container. And I got to that point where I felt that the place wasn’t helping me.

“I did so many avant-garde things but an artiste doesn’t belong to a hall. I realised that the place wasn’t helping me so I had to move,” he further noted.

The issue of having a suitable performance centre in the country has been of a great concern to a lot of entertainment stakeholders. While most people have reposed their trust in the government to make provisions for such facilities, others strongly believe that the private sector should venture into that area.

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This highly anticipated event has become a yearly tradition, drawing fans from across the country to experience a unique blend of music, drama, and humour in celebration of the Christmas season.

Organizers are promising an even more exciting and memorable experience than in previous years. The event has consistently featured Kumawood stars, adding a touch of glamour and familiarity to the celebrations.

Fans can expect an extraordinary line-up of performances, with popular Kumawood personalities taking on iconic roles in the Nativity story.

Actress, Christiana Awuni will grace the stage as Mary’s mother, while Gentle will play the role of Baby Jesus. Ama Oduma is set to portray the innkeeper, and Kala Kumasi will step into the character of Joseph’s mother.

Additionally, Matilda Asare will take on the pivotal role of Mary, with Michael Afranie as Joseph and Oboy Sikii as Joseph’s father.

The others are: Obroni Kwame Yeboah as Angel Gabriel, Kyinkyinaa Twan as Wise Man 1, Okomfo Kolegae as Wise Man 2, and Ot33l3 as Wise Man 3.

Actor Sean Paul will add a musical touch as the Gong-Gong beater, while Taylor and Oteeli will play the roles of King Herod and the High Priest, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Adom Nine Lessons and Carols 2023, will be featuring captivating performances by the Multimedia Choir, Perez Music, and the dynamic duo Keche alongside KK Fosu.

To attend this extraordinary event, fans can secure their seats by purchasing tickets at the affordable rate of GH¢30 per seat.

Tickets can be conveniently acquired by dialling the short code *714*003#.

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To ensure a seamless experience, attendees are advised to arrive early to avoid traffic congestion.

Last year’s event, themed ‘Yesu Mpe Dede,’ left audiences in awe with its dramatic and humorous rendition of the Nativity story. This year’s performance is expected to surpass expectations, promising an abundance of rib-cracking scenes to bring joy and laughter to all attendees.

For more updates on the Adom Nine Lessons and Carols 2023, tune in to Adom TV and listen to Adom 106.3 FM.

Additionally, fans can stay informed by visiting Adomonline.com for the latest news updates and details on Christmas and New Year events. Don’t miss out on what is sure to be a night of unforgettable festivities and celebration.

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In his address during the Experience Conference 2023 at the Maker’s House Chapel on October 1, 2023, he described the facility as being “under severe malnourishment”.

Otabil made the comment while complimenting Dr. Michael Boadi Nyamekye, the Founder of Maker’s House Chapel, for putting up state-of-the-art auditoriums.

“Many times, when we see God use a person like Dr. Boadi Nyamekye here, and you see him and see the amazing work that God has done with him,” he said.

“In this church on this campus, you have one of the most beautiful church campuses anywhere this is, this is a high-class place,” he added.

Making reference to the National Theatre, Pastor Otabil mentioned how difficult it would be for the government to put up a structure for the Maker’s House Chapel.

“This is how even government of Ghana will struggle to build this and I am not in any way insulting the Government of Ghana. I’m just speaking like Jesus Christ… Let the facts be the facts. Because you know, our National Theatre which is under severe malnourishment was built by the Chinese and dashed to us,” he said.

He also cited the Accra International Conference Centre as another event venue that was gifted to the government of Ghana.

The management of the National Theatre has been under flak over what has been described as unfavourable conditions at the facility.

Some have complained the air-conditioning system at the theatre does not function to the optimum capacity. Others have cited unavailability of a stand-by generator, among others as issues that need critical attention.

The National Theatre, opened in 1992, was built by the Chinese and offered as a gift to Ghana. The theatre is governed by the National Theatre Law 1991, PNDC Law 259.

It provides a multi-functional venue for concerts, dance, drama and musical performances, screenplays, exhibitions and special events.

The theatre has a building area of 11,896 square metres (128,050 square feet) and is situated near the junction of Independence Avenue and Liberia Road.

The building has complicated construction moulding and novel exterior features.

It houses the three resident companies of the National Dance Company, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the National Theatre Players.

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Caleb Kofie told host George Quaye on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, that the edifice is in a distasteful state, and does not live up to its name.

“The current condition of the National Theatre does not befit the status of a National Theatre,” he lamented.

His comments come on the back of discussions about the state of customer service in Ghana.

Mr Kofie believes the conditions of some tourist centres in Ghana leave much to be desired.

He described a national theatre as an “emblem and prestige” of a country, and thus should be of a high standard.  

“If I were government, I would close the [National] Theatre down,” he stated.

According to the tourism advocate, government should consider refurbishing the theatre to create quality customer service and tourist experience which will go a long way to boost the economy.

Mr Kofie further suggested that in efforts to prioritise customer service in the arts sector, the government can consider handing over some of its edifices for private management.

He holds the view that “if government thinks that it will not be able to manage some of the state infrastructure, especially theatres, it should give it to the private sector”.

He added that state-of-the-art infrastructure has the key to complimenting well-structured events and programs that take place at the various venues.

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With her almost a decade of experience in the comedy sphere, Jacinta is set to cement her craft to the highest esteem with her One Night Stand show, slated for October 8, 2022, at the National Theatre.

The comedienne, who has performed on many huge platforms in Ghana, Nigeria and even in the UK, is poised to give fans an experience that will forever linger in their memory lane.

Taking to her social media pages to announce it, she described October 8 as a night that will hold surprises, great experiences and lots of laughter.

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Jacinta in many interviews said she never dreamt of becoming a comedian but paying heed to her mother’s advice to take comedy seriously is what has led her to become a comedian.

Some of her performances that led to her breakthrough include her performance at a comedy club at Osu introduced to her by David Oscar and her performance at the 2015 Akwaaba UK Comedy Night at Movenpick Hotel.

Again in 2016, with the help of Buchi, one of Nigeria’s leading comedians, she performed at the Lord of the Ribs comedy show in Ghana.

She has also performed in top Comedy Shows in Ghana and Nigeria including Comedy Night with Buchi (Lagos), Shakara and the Gang (Lagos), Comedy Express, Girltalk, Laughline, Live Comedy Thursdays and Easter Comedy Show.

The list continues with DKB Live, DKB Point of View, Akwaaba UK Comedy Night, Comedy Bar, Silverbird Comedy Night, Corporate Comedy Series, and MMC Live among a host of others.

She nailed her performance at a comedy event in the UK at Leicester Square Theatre on February 6, 2022, before rocking patrons seated for Nigeria’s Basketmouth show that took place on February 11, 2022, at the Indigo 02 Arena, UK.

She has starred in Yvonne Nelson’s Heels and Sneakers and Selfie. Jacinta also has a single, Gyrate which features songstress eShun.

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National Theatre has partnered the Methodist Church Ghana in a youth development programme to train persons in performing arts.

The partnership is to offer the youth guidance on how to properly harness their talents for national development and as a tool for evangelism.

Both parties have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise the partnership and officially launch the programme in Accra.

The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Most Reverend Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, speaking to Adom News, explained he gave birth to the idea through his church tour nationwide.

He indicated most of the youth have various talents they can put into use for God’s work, national development and to also make a living out of it.

The partnership, Most Reverend Boafo noted, was, therefore, to get experts to equip the youth for the project ahead.

“I have come across many young men and women who diligently serve in the churches. Some of them have talents they are not even aware of so I believe this will help them discover these hidden talents while others also improve on theirs,” he said.

Executive Director of National Theatre, Amy Appiah Frimpong, noted participants will be trained in the areas of drama, dance and music.

She added it will cover four regions which have been designated by the church, hence will move under the guidance of the church.

Madam Frimpong was optimistic they will be able to train about 2,000 youth in each of the regions.

The actor has therefore advised the government to renovate the National Theatre before thinking of building similar theatres.

In the actor’s view, it is a misplaced priority for the authorities to shift their focus to building new sites when the 30-year-old National theatre is still in a dilapidated state.

Fiifi Coleman described as pathetic how unkempt the National theatre is, especially as it is the most recognised multi-functional event centre in Ghana.

Just last month, Fiifi Coleman Production thrilled Ghanaians to his first-ever theatre play, “Caution! Women at Work”, acted by an all-female cast.

What Ghanaians witnessed was a great stage play, but in the background, Fiifi said he had to deal with several obstacles the National theatre posed.

“When I did my last play, I bought mosquito repellent myself to spray the entire building before the guests could come in because it was so unbearable; and it’s coming out of my pocket,” he fumed in an interview on Hitz FM.

As if that was not enough, the producer said he had to run over his budget to rent light for his production, as well as a sound system that cost him GHS 7,000.

Fiifi also detailed how he had to use his phone instead of a talk back (walkie-talkie) as means of communication to his crew, and that was even threatened by the poor network service in the auditorium.

Based on his experience, he believes the government should fix the National Theatre before having the impudence to talk of building new ones.

He said the edifice serves many purpose and if management does not take proper care of it they will no longer attract their needed clients.

Nana Ampadu made this comment during his performance at the just ended MTN Heroes of Change III when the audience were fanning themselves because the air conditions at the auditorium were not working.

“We have not lit any fire here but see how people are fanning themselves, please whoever is responsible for the maintenance of the National Theatre should quickly fix it,” he said alongside his performance.

The veteran highlife singer overwhelmed the audience who trooped to the venue for the finals of the event with some good hits from his old album.

Performing with his son, Nana Ampadu entertained the crowd with hit songs like Agatha, the ever popular ‘Obra’ and ‘Oman boadwo.’

Gospel music icon, OJ who opened the event also got the room filled with the Holy Spirit with his songs, Nipa hiammoa and Maye se wopen.

The night was crowned with MTN hit-maker Kofi Kinaata who set the auditorium on fire with his secular hit ‘Susuka’ followed by his romantic tune sweetie pie and shut the room down with his new hit song Confession popularly known as ‘Awuradebegye steer no.’

At the end of season III, an Obuasi-based speech and hearing impaired teacher, Madam Genevieve Basigha was crowned the overall winner in the third season of the MTN Heroes of Change programme.

She was rewarded with a citation, a plaque and a cheque for GH?100,000.