Here is the rewritten article, structured with SEO optimization, clear pedagogical flow, and verified facts based on the provided content.

NCC Urges Executive to Revitalise Kumasi Cultural Centre Forward of Primary Occasions

Date of Publication: January 19, 2026

Introduction

The National Commission on Culture (NCC) has issued a formal appeal to the Ghanaian executive for immediate intervention in the rehabilitation of the Kumasi Cultural Centre. This strategic move aims to restore the facility’s infrastructure ahead of major upcoming cultural events, including the AshantiFest celebrations and the “December in GH” festivities. By revitalising key amenities, stakeholders hope to transform the centre into a premier hub for the creative economy and cultural tourism in the Ashanti Region.

Key Points

Background

The State of the Kumasi Cultural Centre

The Kumasi Cultural Centre has long served as a cornerstone for cultural preservation and artistic expression in Ghana. However, over recent years, the facility has suffered from neglect and deteriorating infrastructure. Key venues, specifically the Apatakesie Hall and the amphitheatre, have become unsuitable for hosting professional-grade events. This decline has limited the centre’s ability to attract both local and international audiences, thereby stifling the potential of the Ashanti Region’s creative sector.

The Role of the National Commission on Culture (NCC)

The NCC is the statutory body mandated to oversee the promotion and development of culture in Ghana. Under the leadership of Executive Director Wakefield Wisdom Ackuaku, the Commission has prioritized the revitalisation of regional cultural hubs. The recent courtesy visit to the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council marks a pivotal step in aligning regional goals with national cultural development strategies.

Analysis

Reviving the Creative Economy

The call to revitalise the Kumasi Cultural Centre is not merely about construction; it is an economic imperative. The creative industries in Ghana are a significant contributor to the national GDP. By completing the Apatakesie Hall and amphitheatre, the centre can host high-revenue events such as film premieres, international concerts, and workshops. This creates a sustainable revenue stream, reducing reliance on state funding and allowing the centre to reinvest in maintenance and talent development.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Infrastructure acts as the physical vessel for intangible cultural heritage. Without adequate facilities like a functional amphitheatre, traditional performances, storytelling, and artistic exhibitions lose their stage. The NCC’s initiative ensures that the rich Ashanti heritage is not only preserved but presented in a manner that meets modern standards, thereby attracting younger generations and tourists alike.

Strategic Timing for “December in GH”

Kumasi is slated to host this year’s “December in GH” festivities, a major tourism drive organised in partnership with the Centre for National Culture and the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council. The timing of the revitalisation is critical. A successful execution of this event, supported by world-class facilities, will position Kumasi as a competitive cultural tourism destination alongside Accra, showcasing Ghana’s creative industries to a global audience.

Practical Advice

Steps for Stakeholders and Event Planners

For stakeholders in the creative industry, the impending revitalisation of the Kumasi Cultural Centre offers several opportunities and preparations:

• Engage with the Planning Committee: The NCC has proposed a dedicated planning committee for the centre’s 75th anniversary. Creative professionals should seek involvement to influence programming and ensure diverse representation.
• Prepare for AshantiFest: With the Regional Minister confirming that most AshantiFest events will be hosted at the centre, event organisers should begin logistical planning now, factoring in the ongoing rehabilitation works.
• Leverage the “December in GH” Platform: Artists and cultural groups should prepare high-quality performances and exhibitions to capitalize on the influx of international tourists expected for the “December in GH” festivities.
• Advocate for Sustainable Maintenance: Once revitalisation is complete, stakeholders must advocate for a maintenance schedule to prevent the rapid deterioration witnessed in the past.

For the Executive and Policymakers

To ensure the success of the NCC’s appeal, the executive should:

• Streamline Funding Channels: Create specific budget lines for the rehabilitation of cultural infrastructure in the Ashanti Region.
• Facilitate Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encourage private sector investment in the centre’s amenities in exchange for branding rights or lease agreements, ensuring financial sustainability.

FAQ

Conclusion

The call by the National Commission on Culture to revitalise the Kumasi Cultural Centre is a timely and necessary intervention for the Ashanti Region. By prioritising the rehabilitation of the Apatakesie Hall and amphitheatre, the executive can unlock the full potential of the region’s creative economy. As Kumasi prepares to host the 75th anniversary, AshantiFest, and “December in GH,” the successful revitalisation of this cultural hub will serve as a testament to the value placed on heritage, talent development, and cultural tourism in Ghana.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily. (2026, January 19). NCC urges executive to revitalise Kumasi Cultural Centre forward of primary occasions.
• National Commission on Culture (NCC). Official statements regarding the rehabilitation of the Kumasi Cultural Centre.
• Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council. Press releases concerning the AshantiFest celebrations and regional cultural development.