Entertainment analyst, Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo, has described the government’s plan to renovate the National Theatre in Accra as “a very good call,” highlighting the venue’s long-standing infrastructure challenges and its significance to Ghana’s arts and entertainment sector.
Speaking on Starr Showbiz with Feeling Daddy on Starr 103.5 FM, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, Arnold detailed the theatre’s current issues, noting that “most of the chairs are broken, air condition is not working,” and recalling past backstage difficulties that have disrupted performances.
“I remember one time we were calling one of the guys to lower the curtain. It took 30 minutes for the person to lower the curtain, all because it was not functioning,” he said, emphasising the urgent need for comprehensive renovations.
He welcomed the $2 million funding secured from China for the renovation, pointing out that “incidentally, it’s the same Chinese government that built the National Theatre in the 1990s. And since that building, there has been no renovation.”
Arnold also highlighted the theatre’s vital role in hosting national arts groups, saying, “The National Theatre really houses a lot of activities. Apart from the National Dance Group, the National Orchestra… most of our events are held in the National Theatre.” He stressed that improving stage operations and technical management is essential for both performers and audiences.
He further noted the contributions of private entities in supporting the theatre, such as donating air conditioning, underscoring the importance of a full-scale government-led renovation. “We need to fix the National Theatre because it houses a lot of activities,” Arnold stated.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
