The National Theatre of Ghana is facing growing criticism from sections of the creative industry, as stakeholders call for urgent attention to longstanding operational challenges despite the institution’s ambitious new strategic direction.
Concerns were raised during a stakeholder engagement held on Tuesday, March 24, where management outlined its 2026 to 2030 strategic plan titled Arts Accessible Everywhere for Everyone. While the vision was widely described as progressive, industry players insisted that its success would depend on addressing fundamental issues affecting productions at the Theatre.
Among the most vocal critics was actor and playwright Fiifi Coleman, who urged management to focus on resolving basic operational inefficiencies before pursuing broader reforms. He questioned whether the new strategy adequately confronts the underlying causes of the Theatre’s challenges.
Coleman highlighted concerns over poor technical coordination and preparation, citing experiences where equipment procured for the Theatre failed to meet production requirements. According to him, such shortcomings force producers to incur additional costs, weakening the intended partnership between creatives and the institution.
He stressed that collaboration should involve shared responsibility, rather than shifting the burden entirely onto producers. In his view, the current situation undermines the concept of partnership the Theatre seeks to promote.
Beyond production challenges, Coleman pointed to gaps in audience engagement and revenue systems, particularly the absence of a fully functional box office, which he described as a major limitation.
Other stakeholders echoed similar concerns. George Quaye of Image Bureau criticised what he described as an unfair distribution of responsibilities, questioning why producers are often left to handle essential logistics such as sourcing materials and promoting their own productions.
He noted that responsibilities such as ticketing and publicity should be properly managed by the Theatre to ensure a more structured and supportive environment for creative work.
 (Related article: National Theatre to unveil five-year strategic plan on April 7)
In response, Board Chair Amarteorkor Amarteifio acknowledged the concerns raised and emphasised that the engagement was intended to provide a platform for open dialogue. She assured stakeholders that management is committed to addressing these challenges and rebuilding confidence in the institution.
She added that the Theatre aims to restore its standing within Ghana’s creative sector by adopting a more collaborative and responsive approach.
The newly proposed strategic plan seeks to reposition the Theatre as a sustainable and forward looking cultural hub. Presentations by Acting Executive Director Henry Herbert Malm and the Board Chair outlined key priorities including financial sustainability, environmental responsibility and increased industry collaboration.
The plan also aims to attract both local and international partners through co productions, training programmes and touring opportunities. In addition, it places emphasis on expanding audience reach through digital streaming, improved ticketing systems and loyalty initiatives.
Education and talent development form another central pillar of the strategy, with proposals for a National Theatre Academy, youth engagement programmes and talent showcases designed to nurture emerging creatives.
Despite these ambitions, stakeholders maintain that resolving existing operational gaps will be critical to ensuring the plan delivers meaningful impact.
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