Ghana’s iconic Concert Party theatre tradition is set for a major comeback following the inauguration of a Committee on Reviving Theatre Arts by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie.
The initiative aims to restore Concert Party to Ghana’s theatres and screens while repositioning it as a powerful tool for education, entertainment and economic development.
Speaking at the inauguration, Gomashie described the move as a cultural renewal, stressing that theatre arts, particularly Concert Party, have historically entertained, educated and unified Ghanaians adding that it remains a “living archive” of society, reflecting national joys, struggles and aspirations through humour, music and storytelling, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to preserving the art form for future generations.
The Minister explained that the Committee is mandated to provide strategic direction for the revival, production and regular screening of Concert Party as both a cultural and television programme.
Its responsibilities include assessing the current state of theatre arts in Ghana, developing a clear revival roadmap across television and digital platforms, recommending policy, institutional and funding frameworks, preserving Concert Party as part of Ghana’s intangible cultural heritage, encouraging youth participation and innovation, and promoting job creation within the creative arts sector.
Hon. Gomashie urged members to work with unity, creativity and integrity, emphasising that their task extends beyond organising performances to building a sustainable ecosystem that keeps theatre arts active in communities, schools and on national stages. She underscored that culture remains the soul of a nation and that nurturing it strengthens national identity, unity and pride.
Responding on behalf of the Committee, Chairperson Dr. Akosua Abdallah thanked the Minister for the confidence reposed in the members. She described Concert Party as more than entertainment, calling it the voice and memory of ordinary people.
Dr. Abdallah recalled its strong community roots and pledged to reconnect the concert party to its origins by integrating music, dance and drama, while investing in the next generation of performers.
She stressed that the Committee’s goal is to revive Concert Party as a living, evolving theatrical form, not a museum piece.
The Committee comprises members from academia, theatre practice, media and the creative arts industry. They include Ms. Akorfa Adjeani, Mr. Robert Nana Kodua, Mr. Ebenezer Osae-Ayeh Jnr., Ms. Agness Panfred, Dr. Joyce Akumaa Dongotey-Padi, Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Mr. Henry Herbert Malm, Ms. Naa Dede Awula Tetteh and Mr. Wakefield Akuako.
The inauguration underscores the Ministry’s renewed commitment to revitalising theatre arts and ensuring that Concert Party once again thrives in Ghana’s theatres as a proud symbol of national creativity and cultural heritage.
Source: Delassie Mabel Awuku-PR Unit- MoTCCA
