The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has inaugurated a committee on reviving Theatre Arts, aimed at restoring Concert Party to Ghana’s theatres and screens while repositioning it as a dynamic tool for education, entertainment, and economic development.
Speaking at the inauguration on Thursday, in Accra, Madam Gomashie described the move as a cultural renewal and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to preserving the art for future generations.
She emphasised that theatre arts, particularly Concert Party, has historically entertained, educated and united Ghanaians, adding that the art form remains a “living archive” of society, reflecting national joys, struggles, and aspirations through humour, music, and storytelling.
The Minister explained that the Committee is mandated to provide strategic direction for the revival, production, and regular screening of Concert Party as both a cultural and television programme hence urging them to work with unity, creativity, and integrity.
“Its responsibilities include assessing the current state of theatre arts in Ghana, developing a clear revival roadmap across television and digital platforms, recommending policy, institutional, and funding frameworks, preserving Concert Party as part of Ghana’s intangible cultural heritage, encouraging youth participation and innovation, and promoting job creation within the creative arts sector” She added.
She stressed that their task extends beyond organizing performances to building a sustainable ecosystem that keeps theatre arts active in communities, schools and on national stages noting that culture remains the soul of a nation, and nurturing it strengthens national identity, unity, and pride.
The Chairperson of the committee, Dr. Akosua Abdallah, thanked the Minister for the confidence placed in the members and described Concert Party as more than entertainment, calling it the voice and memory of ordinary people.
Dr. Abdallah recalled its strong community roots and pledged to reconnect Concert Party to its origins by integrating music, dance, and drama, while investing in the next generation of performers.
The Committee comprises members from academia, theatre practice, media, and the creative arts industry. Its members include Ms. Akorfa Adjeani, Mr. Robert Nana Kodua, Mr. Ebenezer Osae-Ayeh Jnr., Ms. Agness Panfred, Dr. Joyce Akumaa Dongotey-Padi, Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Mr. Henry Herbert Malm, Ms. Naa Dede Awula Tetteh, and Mr. Wakefield Akuako.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
