Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has condemned the culture of ridicule directed at Ghana’s theatre industry, describing it as “shameful and self-destructive.”
The veteran actress and cultural activist stressed that theatre is more than entertainment—it is a mirror of society and a vital national asset.
Speaking at the grand opening of the six-day Ghana Theatre Festival 2025 at the National Theatre in Accra on Tuesday, September 23, Madam Gomashie recalled how theatre students at the University of Ghana, Legon, were once derisively labelled “Dondologists,” a term coined to mock their craft.
To her, such insults only expose ignorance and an unwillingness to embrace the value of the arts.
“It started way back when, at the citadel of education, you called us Dondologists to ridicule who we are. Yet, in that same space, you celebrate colleagues worldwide while trampling on us. And that must stop, because you see, we only reflect who you are. If you mock us, you’re mocking yourselves,” she said.
Madam Gomashie rejected the perception of theatre as mere pretence, describing it instead as a platform for education, problem-solving and reflection. She cited the diversity of professionals shaped by theatre—from lawyers and doctors to poets, comedians and architects—as proof of its far-reaching influence.
“There is a comedian who is a dentist by profession. There are lawyers and poets who thrive in this space. So why mock an industry that could employ you after studying law, architecture or any other field?” she asked.
The minister also underscored theatre’s global significance, referencing the works of William Shakespeare, Anton Chekhov and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, alongside Ghana’s own legends such as Efua Sutherland, Mohammed Ben Abdallah, Uncle Ebo Whyte and Latif Abubakar. These names, she said, stand as testaments to theatre’s ability to transform lives and shape nations.
Reflecting on the festival’s theme, Showcasing the Rich Diversity of Ghanaian Culture through Performing Arts, Madam Gomashie warned of the dangers of unchecked globalisation and social media. While digital platforms can promote Ghana’s culture, she noted, they also have the power to erode it.
“The preservation of our culture must go beyond just showcasing. It must be deliberately documented and promoted, especially in the digital space. Social media is a two-edged sword. While some use it to project Ghana positively, others use it to destroy and disrespect, trampling on our culture as if there is no tomorrow,” she cautioned.
Beyond culture, Madam Gomashie also highlighted the economic importance of the creative sector, revealing that in 2024 it ranked as Ghana’s fourth-highest foreign exchange earner. To sustain this momentum, she assured stakeholders that the government was reviewing outdated cultural policies to align with modern realities and boost revenue.
“Our success is not in the individual but in our collective ability to increase revenue and safeguard the fortunes of this industry. This festival allows us to reflect on how far we’ve come and to forge ahead together,” she said.
Dressed in her trademark African-inspired attire, Madam Gomashie officially declared the 2025 Ghana Theatre Festival open, urging performers and audiences to claim it as their own.
“This is your festival. Make the best of it, because every performance, every story we tell has the power to shape Ghana’s future,” she concluded.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
