Stories and facts

Since its launch in 2014, the Ghana Theatre Festival, organised annually by the National Theatre of Ghana, has grown into a flagship cultural occasion.

Typically held in late September or early October, this week-long event presents a varied programme including drama productions, film screenings, fashion showcases, stand-up comedy, visual art displays, and a distinctive fitness-dance activity known as “GHROBICS”.

Its primary purpose is to cultivate and promote the performing arts, offering both seasoned and emerging artists—particularly students—opportunities to exhibit their work and engage with the public.

Each year, the festival is guided by a theme that reflects its ongoing objectives. The 2023 edition, under the banner “Celebrating Ghanaian culture and heritage through partnerships and linkages,” featured over 30 production teams, with performances in schools, local community plays, and exhibitions highlighting genuine Ghanaian craftsmanship.

In 2024, the festival paid tribute to the esteemed playwright Efua T. Sutherland by staging four of her celebrated plays: Agoro, Foriwa, The Marriage of Anansewa, and Edufa.

This underlined the festival’s commitment to preserving and advancing Ghana’s rich theatrical traditions. Looking ahead, the Ghana Theatre Festival continues to forge connections between cultural identity and creative expression.

By nurturing upcoming talent, promoting community involvement, and blending various art forms—encompassing visual arts, dance-fitness, and comedy—it remains pivotal in sustaining audience interest and influencing Ghana’s artistic future.

With every edition, the festival not only champions Ghana’s theatrical heritage but also kindles a spirit of national pride and conversation through the stage.

Here are some prominent annual events in Ghana, spanning trade shows and festivals, that draw both local and international audiences: