Ghanaian Tour Guide and Playwright Advocates for Preservation of Centre for National Culture in Accra
Renowned Ghanaian playwright and tour guide, Nii Ayi Solomon, has added his voice to the growing calls for the preservation of the Centre for National Culture, also known as the Arts Centre, in Accra.
This comes amidst plans by the government to demolish the performance centre located at the premises to make way for the construction of the Marine Drive Project. The project, which aims to redevelop a 241-acre area along the beachfront in Accra, has raised concerns about the fate of the historic Arts Centre.
In a recent interview on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z with Kwame Dadzie, Nii Ayi Solomon emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the Arts Centre and urged the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, to intervene and prevent its demolition.
“The Arts Centre, built by Nkrumah, served as a hub for promoting arts and culture in the region. It is a symbol of our heritage and identity that should be preserved,” Solomon remarked.
He further urged the contractors of the Marine Drive Project to explore alternative plans that do not involve destroying the Arts Centre, emphasizing the unique value it holds within the cultural landscape of Accra.
The Marine Drive Project, initiated by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, aims to transform Accra’s waterfront into a world-class tourism destination and support the growth of the country’s cultural and creative industries.
Despite the push for progress and development, Solomon and other stakeholders are adamant about safeguarding the Arts Centre’s legacy and ensuring its preservation for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
As the Marine Drive Project progresses towards completion in 2027, the debate over the fate of the Centre for National Culture remains a critical point of contention in the ongoing dialogue surrounding urban redevelopment and cultural preservation in Accra.
