The National Commission on Culture (NCC) has renewed calls for urgent government support to complete and rehabilitate key facilities at the Kumasi Cultural Centre, describing the intervention as critical to strengthening cultural programming and the creative economy in the Ashanti Region.
The appeal was made during a courtesy visit to the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, where the Executive Director of the NCC, Wakefield Wisdom Ackuaku, urged the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, to help mobilise resources to complete two stalled projects at the centre.
Mr Ackuaku said the unfinished and deteriorating state of the Apatakesie Hall and the amphitheatre has significantly limited the centre’s ability to host large-scale cultural events, including film premieres, concerts and creative workshops capable of attracting local and international audiences.
He noted that completing the facilities would restore the centre’s status as a cultural hub, open up new revenue streams to support operations, and provide a stronger platform for talent development and the preservation of traditional heritage.
The engagement, which brought together officials of the NCC and the Ashanti Regional Centre for National Culture, also sought to deepen collaboration with the Regional Coordinating Council to advance cultural development through coordinated planning and leadership.
During the meeting, the Commission formally informed the Regional Minister of plans to mark the 75th anniversary of the Kumasi Cultural Centre later this year, describing the milestone as an opportunity to deliver visible infrastructure improvements as part of the celebrations.
Mr Ackuaku proposed the establishment of a dedicated planning committee to oversee the anniversary activities and ensure broad stakeholder participation, stressing that early preparation would be key to the success of the event.
In response, Dr Amoakohene welcomed the delegation and pledged the region’s support for initiatives aimed at promoting and preserving Ashanti culture, assuring the NCC of his commitment to collaborate on projects that enhance the centre’s impact.
He also encouraged the Commission to maintain its active involvement in the AshantiFest celebrations, announcing that most activities for this year’s festival would be hosted at the Kumasi Cultural Centre.
The NCC further disclosed that Kumasi is expected to host this year’s “December in GH” festivities, to be organised jointly by the Commission, the Centre for National Culture and the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, positioning the city as a major destination for cultural tourism.