National Theatre set for major transformation with Chinese support
The National Theatre of Ghana is set for a major transformation into a modern cultural hub following a high-level bilateral meeting held at the facility yesterday.
The Assistant Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Zhang Li, paid an official courtesy visit to the landmark facility to discuss plans for its rehabilitation, in a move expected to further strengthen the cultural and economic ties between Ghana and China.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from both countries to discuss the structural and technical requirements for the rehabilitation of the iconic edifice.
The Chinese delegation was led by Mr Zhang and included the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Cong Song; the Economic Counsellor, Mr Li Yaohong; and other officials from the Chinese Embassy and Ministry of Commerce.
The Ghanaian delegation included the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the Board Chairperson of the National Theatre of Ghana, Ms Korkor Amarteifio; the Executive Director of the National Theatre, Mr Henry Herbert Malm; and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the Ministry of Finance and Architectural and Engineering Services Limited (AESL).
Discussions focused on plans to modernise the theatre and bring it up to contemporary global standards for the performing arts.
Mr Zhang reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting the upgrading of the facility, with the proposed rehabilitation expected to cover structural improvements, state-of-the-art acoustic installations, modern lighting systems and enhanced digital capabilities.
Officials from AESL and the relevant ministries also reviewed the preliminary technical requirements for the project to ensure that the rehabilitation was aligned with Ghana’s national tourism and creative arts strategy.
Built in the early 1990s as a gift from the People’s Republic of China, the National Theatre has remained a major landmark and symbol of Ghana-China friendship, as well as a centrepiece of Ghanaian architectural and cultural heritage.
The planned modernisation is expected to renew the facility’s role as a major centre for the performing arts while preserving its historical significance.
The project also underscores the continued partnership between Ghana and China in the preservation and development of Ghana’s cultural heritage for future generations.
BY TIMES REPORTER
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