2026 Budget: Accra National Theatre to Be Upgraded

Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that the National Theatre in Accra is set for a major facelift, with funds allocated in the 2026 national budget for its rehabilitation.

Speaking to Parliament on November 13, 2025, Dr. Forson explained that the renovation is part of a broader plan to revive Ghana’s cultural infrastructure and restore performance venues as key spaces in urban life.

He also revealed that the government will begin preparations for a second national theatre in Kumasi, including securing land and preparing the design.

“In 2026, government will rehabilitate the National Theatre in Accra. We will also commence site acquisition and design of a second national theatre in Kumasi,” he said.

The upgrades are expected to help the theatre host larger productions, support year-round programming, and boost revenue from ticket sales and venue rentals. Management at the theatre has already been strengthening governance and rebuilding institutional capacity to ensure the facility can return to consistent use.

The restoration includes practical improvements such as upgraded sound, lighting, and stage equipment, giving Ghanaian companies the tools needed for bigger performances and touring shows. Plans also cover better rehearsal rooms, improved backstage areas, and enhanced accessibility for audiences.

For artists, producers, and audiences, the word “renovate” means much more than fresh paint.

The budget signals capital work that will address the theatre’s aging structure and technical systems, enabling it to host higher-quality productions, run year-round programs, and increase revenue through ticketed seasons and venue rentals.

The overall goal is to create a modernized complex capable of hosting international festivals, attracting cultural tourism, and supporting more jobs across production, technical, and front-of-house roles.