GOVERNMENT TO CONVERT NATIONAL CATHEDRAL SITE INTO NATIONAL CULTURAL CONVENTION CENTER
The government has announced plans to convert the stalled National Cathedral project into a National Cultural Convention Centre (NCCC), positioning it as the flagship hub for Ghana’s burgeoning creative economy and cultural diplomacy efforts.
According to a policy document under the new 24-hour economy initiative for culture, creative arts and tourism dubbed “SH0W24”, the NCCC will be established in partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat and is expected to become Africa’s leading venue for international exhibitions, film festivals, trade shows and summits.
The initiative, the government says, will address a critical infrastructure gap while avoiding conflict with religious or national values.
“At the national level, a bold flagship intervention is proposed: converting the National Cathedral site into the National Cultural Convention Centre (NCCC), in partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat. This venue will serve as Africa’s premier cultural diplomacy and creative economy forum, hosting international exhibitions, film festivals, trade shows, and summits-filling a critical infrastructure gap without conflicting with national values or faith institutions,” the document states.
The NCCC project forms part of a broader plan to revitalise the creative arts, culture and tourism sectors as pillars of economic transformation.
It marks a significant shift in the use of the controversial cathedral site, which has faced public scrutiny over delays, cost overruns and its relevance.
Under SH0W24, the centre will serve as the crown jewel in Ghana’s creative economy infrastructure. It is projected to host large-scale events and exhibitions that will place Ghana firmly on the global cultural map.
Feasibility studies for SHOW24 are scheduled for Phase 1 of implementation (2025-2026), with full commissioning expected by Phase 3 (2028-2030).
Other actions included in the SHOW24 strategy are the establishment of a National Creators Academy to train youth in music, film, fashion, digital media, and cultural performance.
The training will integrate modern tools like AI and virtual reality, as well as business and cultural literacy.
NKONKONSA.com
