Legon, Accra, 23rd January,2026 — The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to theatre and the creative arts, describing theatre as a vital tool for cultural preservation, education, and national development.
Speaking at the launch of the Abibigromma Theatre Festival at the Efua Sutherland Drama Studio, University of Ghana, the Minister said theatre plays a critical role in shaping values, identity, and moral character in society. She noted that the creative and tourism sector contributed over US$4.8 billion to Ghana’s GDP in 2024, making it the fourth-highest contributor, and announced a GHS 20 million allocation in the 2026 Budget as seed funding for the Creative Arts Fund.
Introducing the Abibigromma Theatre Company, Dr. Daniel Appiah-Agyei, a senior lecturer of theatre arts at the University of Ghana described the group as the resident theatre company of the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, composed of trained theatre professionals committed to producing high-quality Afrocentric and experimental theatre. He highlighted the company’s strong record in performances, educational outreach, and community development initiatives across Ghana and internationally.
Also speaking at the event, the Provost of the College of Humanities (COH), Prof. Joseph Awetori Yaro, commended the School of Performing Arts for its progress and urged it to sustain the momentum. He expressed particular interest in Abibigromma, calling for its repositioning and clearer definition within the School of Performing Arts under the university’s collegiate system.
Prof. Yaro suggested that a formal proposal be submitted to the appropriate academic boards to clarify Abibigromma’s structure, roles, and functions, whether as a centre, company, or another defined entity, while remaining within the School of Performing Arts. He expressed confidence that, with proper positioning, both the school and Abibigromma could regain their former vibrancy and achieve greater prominence.
In attendance were the Dean of the School of Performing Arts, Dr. Sylavus Kwashie Kuwor; the Municipal Chief Executive for Ayawaso West, Dr. Michael Mensah; the Artistic Director of Abibigromma, Dr. Beatrice Taiwah Ayi; and representatives from the Ghana Tourism Authority.
The Abibigromma Theatre Festival is expected to serve as an important platform for promoting Ghana’s cultural values and strengthening the role of theatre in national development.
Source: Public Relations Unit – MoTCCA
