After decades of clamoring for the completion of the Center for National Culture facility in the Western Region, specifically in Sekondi, the project is finally set to see the light of day.
Project consultant AESL has announced that construction will be completed by November 2026, bringing an end to 38 years of work in progress.
Meanwhile, the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has commended President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, for their commitment to ensuring the completion of the project.
The facility, designed to promote tourism, culture, and creative arts, as well as to nurture talent, began construction in the late 1980s. However, after the auditorium was erected, the project remained a work in progress until today. Although the previous administration changed the roofing, it was unfortunately unable to complete the rehabilitation.
Following a series of requests from residents of the region, and the assurance given by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, during her visit to the region in 2025, the project is now set to see the light of day.
The contractor has returned to the site for the full completion of the project, which includes construction of an administration block, rehabilitation of the auditorium, a craft village, a hostel block, among other facilities.
Project Consultant for AESL, Eric Annan, announced that construction will be completed by November 2026.
“The project started sometime in 1988 and consists of a number of facilities, all of which were left incomplete. We are now here to complete the project.
It includes an administration block for the Center for National Culture, an auditorium, a craft village, and a hostel block. Additionally, we are carrying out earthworks, which include road paving, drainage construction, and grassing. We are hopeful of completing it by November 2026.” Mr Annan stated.
The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, who visited the site to inspect the progress of work so far, has commended President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, for their commitment to ensuring the completion of the project after years of abandonment.
He added that he is excited about the final completion of the project.
“Those of us in the region and perhaps even in the Central Region are excited that finally this project is coming back to life at full speed.
With the facilities being developed, including the craft village, administration block, hostel facilities, and everything else that will make this a fully functional cultural center, it will greatly enhance arts and culture in this region. So, I am excited. As Regional Minister, I couldn’t have asked for anything better than this.” Mr Joseph Nelson added.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
