Uncertain future for National Theatre - Okraku Mantey blames frequent Chinese envoy changes

For a long time, the National Theatre seems to have been deserted, but it is now clear that the problems of the one-time national pride go beyond the walls of the facility. 

While the exterior and interior amenities deteriorate, officials appear to hinge their salvation on the foreign partner that funded and presented the once iconic facility to the country. 

A Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, revealed at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament last Wednesday that several efforts to liaise with the Chinese government to revamp the National Theatre had been affected by the constant change of Chinese ambassadors to Ghana over the years.

“We keep trying to get support from the Chinese government because they built the facility, but it’s been back and forth because they keep changing their ambassadors”. 

“It’s been so many years since the facility was built, and some of the technology have become outmoded, and apart from China, it will be difficult to get them from other countries,” he said. 

The National Theatre was opened on December 30, 1992 to spearhead theatre movement in the country. Construction of the facility started on March 8, 1990.

Mr Mantey appeared before the committee together with the management of the National Theatre. 

He expressed the belief that since the theatre was constructed by the Chinese government, China had the technical know-how and the right technologies to work on the physical structure of the facility. 

The deputy minister indicated that the management of the facility had done what it could over the years to maintain the place but admitted that it was not enough. 

Looking at the number of years the theatre had been in existence, he said the situation would have been worse if there was no  maintenance culture. 

“It’s been relatively not as bad as it’s been painted to the public. If you look at how much they make and how much they will need to maintain it, it will only take the government to assist in that regard,” the deputy minister said. 

Three decades

The National Theatre which was handed over to the government in 1992 has over the years provided a fitting venue for multi-functional events such as concerts, dance, drama, musical performances, screenplays, exhibitions and special events.

However, in an era where the use of modern equipment and technology is ruling the world, it will not be out of place to have a theatre with virtual, mixed and augmented reality and other emerging technologies to widen and enhance performances.

Theatre enthusiasts and creative personnel have been looking forward to this.

Structural longevity 

An entertainment journalist and theatre enthusiast, Kwame Dadzie, has said revamping the National Theatre was long overdue, insisting that it should be done with an eye on structural longevity.

“It will be a dream come true, in fact, it will be of great help to, not just the theatre sector, but also the creative space as a whole. It will give the facility a facelift, make it more attractive for events and a vibrant tourist centre which can translate into a lot of revenue for the sector,” he told the Daily Graphic.

Government will support 

However, Kwame Dadzie disagrees with the deputy minister and rather believes the inertia was due to the lack of political will.

“It has nothing to do with the Chinese government. It is simply lack of government’s will and resolve to fix the theatre,” he insisted.

The Director of Creative Arts at the National Commission for Culture (NCC), Ghana, Socrate Safo, also shared in Kwame Dadzie's position that the facelift would do the industry a lot of good.

"I'm one of the people who have been championing this cause for a facelift, so yes, it will mean a lot to the industry if that comes to pass”.

"As you can see, in recent times, the place has been very vibrant with the influx of shows, be they theatre or comedy and you can only imagine what will happen if we get all the technology and other things in place," Mr Safo said.

To the contrary, Mr Safo said he was in support of the Deputy Minister that it had to take China to help fix the theatre.

“You know, I can’t go into details but yes, there are terms and conditions to everything. Since the Chinese constructed it and handed it over, it’s appropriate that we go back to them,” the Director of Creative Arts at the National Commission for Culture said.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Image Bureau, an event production entity, George Quaye, said revamping the National Theatre was vital for many reasons.

“It serves as a hub for Ghanaian arts and culture, showcasing local talent and preserving cultural heritage. Revamping it would enhance its role in promoting Ghanaian identity and creativity,” he said.

Mr Quaye pointed out that a modernised National Theatre could attract more local and international performances, increasing tourism and generating revenue for the local economy as well as create jobs in the arts, hospitality and related sectors.

“Upgrading the facilities would provide artistes with better resources for production, rehearsal and performance, fostering a more vibrant arts scene,” he added.

Mr Quaye pointed out that a revitalised national theatre could engage more community members, encourage participation in the arts, stressing that it could also serve as a venue for educational programmes and workshops aimed at nurturing the next generation of artistes.

On what the deputy minister said, Mr Quaye declined to respond to it because, “I don’t even know how to respond”, he said. 

Development 

Recently, the National Theatre secured eight air conditioners and had its carpet changed after being called out by industry players.

A film and television director, playwright and theatre producer, Evans Eyram Adorkor, said the intervention was a step in the right direction.

The CEO of Kritik Production also explained that if the refurbishment was done well, it would contribute significantly to development.

“It will create jobs, boost the economy and nurture new talents. Once it helps them to generate revenue, it will boost the sector’s finances,” Mr Adorkor said.