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National Theatre strategic plan launched to boost growth and innovation
The National Theatre of Ghana has launched a new five year strategic plan aimed at repositioning the institution to operate efficiently, promote Ghanaian culture, and achieve long term sustainability.
The plan, which covers the period 2026 to 2030, outlines key strategies to strengthen operations, improve infrastructure, expand audience reach, and promote innovation in the creative arts sector.
It also seeks to reduce reliance on government funding by encouraging partnerships and supporting talent development.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Director of Culture and Creative Arts at the Ministry, Mr Divine Owusu Ansah highlighted the significance of the initiative.
She noted that the Acting Executive Director and the Board were taking bold steps to transform the theatre, stressing that the long held belief that the institution could not be sustainable without heavy government support was gradually changing.
She explained that the plan was designed to restore the National Theatre to its past glory as a leading cultural institution that promotes Ghana’s rich heritage and projects it to the world.
She commended the National Dance Company for representing Ghana in India in February 2026, where their performance showcased Ghanaian traditions and strengthened cultural ties.
She expressed confidence that the implementation of the plan would promote creativity, innovation, and collaboration, while praising the leadership of the Acting Executive Director, Henry Herbert Malm, for his commitment to institutional development.
The Acting Executive Director, Mr Malm, indicated that the plan had been developed with the support of consultants and had already been shared with staff before its official launch.
He explained that the engagement with staff was to ensure that everyone understood the vision and contributed to its implementation, adding that management was determined to build a better National Theatre.
He expressed appreciation to the Minister, her deputies, the Ministry, the Board, and consultants for their contributions toward the development of the plan.
He added that the goal of management and the Board was to ensure the theatre operates efficiently in the digital era while remaining relevant to stakeholders.
The Board Chair, Korkor Amarteifio, described the plan as a product of careful analysis and alignment with national and global priorities.
She noted that the theatre must go beyond artistic excellence to focus on sustainability, innovation, and audience growth.
She added that the plan would guide efforts to attract partnerships, develop skills in the creative industry, and position the theatre as a strong platform for cultural expression.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Medical Doctor and dietician, Dr Bernice Korkor Asare, has urged women to take greater responsibility for their lifestyle choices, particularly their eating habits and levels of physical activity, to help reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
According to her, although, some breast cancer risk factors, such as family history and certain reproductive factors, may not be within an individual’s control, lifestyle choices offer an opportunity for people to take preventive action.
She made this known during a talk on the topic: “Role of diet in breast cancer prevention” organised by Times Ladies Association of the New Times Corporation, publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, in Accra on Thursday.
The event themed “Breast Cancer Awareness- Promoting Early Detection, Healthy Eating and Prevention.” 
She noted that having a risk factor did not automatically mean a person would develop breast cancer, but could increase the likelihood of developing the disease compared with someone without that particular risk factor.
“Having close relatives who have had breast cancer, particularly a mother, sister or daughter, may increase the risk, although not everyone with a family history will develop the disease,” Dr Asare opined. Read More.
By Adizatu K. Munkaila
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A group of compassionate friends from Innovation Gospel Impact last Friday visited the management, teachers and learners of the Street Academy in Accra.
The visit was to interact to get a deeper insight into the operations of the Academy that houses hundreds of street and underprivileged children and find ways to support them.
The team was led by Rev. Dr Isaac Apenteng Yeboah, a former Director for West African Mailbox Club and Director for Prisons Support Foundation, and Rev. Dale Sutherland from Washington DC.
The call, according to the visitors was occasioned by reports about the struggles of the Academy despite the occasional support it enjoys from individuals and some corporate entities.
Briefing them, the Founder and Executive Director of the Academy, Dr Ataa Lartey, thanked them for the concern showed, indicating that “this is a major boost for both teachers and learners; knowing that their plight is known by people outside their premises.”
According Dr Lartey, the Academy had planned to undertake a number of project to enhance teaching and learning and also procure facilities for the children with keen interest in sports but had to shelve those plans for lack of finance.
He told the team that their biggest concerns were the monthly utility bills that takes a toll on their finances.
“We have a piece of land we planned to turn into an astro turf pitch to train the younger ones whose interests lies in making a career out of football, however, we have been unable to commence because there is no money now,” he said.
Dr Lartey expressed gratitude to the teachers who have dedicated their lives to training these children, rather than going for well-paying jobs and hoped that with time, their conditions of engagement would improve.
Moved by the plight of the Academy, the group donated a cash amount of Gh₵3,000 to settle its water bills.
They described as unfortunate the conditions of learners and teachers of the Academy and pledged to continuously support their operations to realize the dream to build a better future for the unfortunate children.
The group offered to support the school with its monthly utility bills, feeding and staff allowance and urged the Academy staff to remain in constant touch with them.
The Street Academy is located at the Accra Art Center and offers brilliant but needy the chance to pursue their educational dreams by enrolling them in public schools with others offered training in sports and cultural activities.
By Spectator Reporter
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