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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
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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