The Centre for National Culture in the Western Region is set to get a major boost with the completion of its auditorium, thanks to funding efforts by the Tourism Ministry.
This project is part of a larger national plan to establish cultural hubs in the six newly created regions.
The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, who is excited about the prospect says it will mark a new chapter for the Region .
After years of neglect and unfulfilled rehabilitation promises from past governments, the Western Regional Centre for National Culture has fallen into a state of disrepair, a mere shadow of its intended purpose.
The facility saw a glimmer of hope on July 29, 2024, when the then-Minister of Tourism and Creative Arts, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, pledged to fully restore it by the end of December 2024.
Following the defeat of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the general elections, however, the project came to a halt after the replacement of roofing sheets and windows.
This was despite an earlier assurance that GH¢45 million had been secured from the Finance Ministry for the project.
The Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture, Wakefield Wisdom Ackuaku, met with the staff who are currently operating from an office at the Western Regional Coordinating Council and later inspected the facility.
He assured that the current Tourism Minister, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, is actively pursuing the funding required to complete the auditorium.
“My Minister has been phenomenal in chasing the funding needed to complete this edifice.
“We believe that once completed, it will provide an opportunity for the people of the Western Region, and indeed Ghana, to have a space to perform, promote, and preserve our culture.” Mr Ackuaku stated.
He added that steps are being taken to also provide the six newly created regions with the necessary infrastructure while pledging to resolve land encroachment issues at the Western Region.
“We’re working to ensure every region, including the six new ones, has a state-of-the-art auditorium to promote and preserve our culture. We’re taking steps to provide the necessary infrastructure, so they can lift themselves and showcase their unique traditions.
“Our mandate is to preserve and promote Ghana’s culture, and we’re committed to achieving this goal across the country.”
Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson stated that the completion of the Centre would be a significant relief for the region.
“We’ve often seen good intentions fail to materialize once someone takes office. While there were past efforts to address this issue, they were unsuccessful. Now, we have a real opportunity to see it through.
“Therefore, hearing you confirm this is a tremendous relief. We all look forward to the day it is completed and commissioned for public use,” he said.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
