National Theatre is severely malnourished -Dr Mensa Otabil

Renowned preacher and General Overseer of International  Central Gospel Church(ICGC), Dr Mensa Otabil is certainly not happy about the state of the National Theatre describing it as “severe malnourished” due to poor maintenance culture.

Speaking at this year’s Experience Conference 2023 at the Maker's House Chapel on Sunday, October 1, 2023, Dr Otabil commended Dr. Michael Boadi Nyamekye, the Founder of Maker's House Chapel, for constructing state-of-the-art auditoriums.

Dr Mensa Otabil noted that while individuals like Dr Boadi Nyamekye built modern auditoriums which were properly maintained, same couldn’t be said of state facilities such as the National Theatre, insinuating that its present state is not one to be proud of.

“Many times, when we see God use a person like Dr. Boadi Nyamekye here, and you see him and see the amazing work that God has done with him.

“In this church on this campus, you have one of the most beautiful church campuses anywhere this is, this is a high-class place.

“This is how even government of Ghana will struggle to build this and I am not in any way insulting the Government of Ghana. I'm just speaking like Jesus Christ… Let the facts be the facts. Because you know, our National Theatre which is under severe malnourishment was built by the Chinese and dashed to us," he said.

Dr Mensa Otabil’s comment has heightened discussions about the present conditions of the National Theatre which has been a home to many events in the country.

A number of industry players, particularly playwrights who use it as venue for their shows have been lamenting about the poor facilities and unavailability of key equipment to aid their production, topping the list.

In December last year, playwright, Kobina Ansah suffered the unfortunate incident of putting his play, ‘Once Upon a Riddle’, on hold for many hours when the light went off in the middle of the show.

Actor Fiifi Coleman, spoken word artist, Oswald Okaitei among many others continue to vent their frustrations, hoping for better days.

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Appreciate the painstaking investment Nigeria has made in its creative industry and stop the needless comparison -Mawuli Gavor