The government of Ghana has announced plans to transform the National Cathedral project into a National Cultural Convention Centre (NCCC), positioning Ghana as a hub for the country’s burgeoning creative economy and cultural diplomacy efforts.
This initiative falls under the 24-hour economy initiative for culture, creative arts, and tourism, dubbed ‘SH0W24’.
The new plan aims to establish a partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat, making Ghana the leading venue for international exhibitions, film festivals, trade shows, and summits in Africa.
According to the proposal, the National Cultural Convention Centre will serve as Africa’s premier cultural diplomacy and creative economy forum, hosting international events without conflicting with national values or faith institutions.
This development is part of the government’s broader plan to revitalise the creative arts, culture, and tourism sectors as pillars of economic transformation. Under SH0W24, the centre will be the crown jewel in Ghana’s creative economy infrastructure, hosting large-scale events and exhibitions to 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).
Furthermore, the government will establish a National Creators Academy to train youth in music, film, fashion, digital media, and cultural performance, integrating modern tools like AI and virtual reality. Over 250 community centres will be constructed or refurbished nationwide under the 24H+ Community Centre Network, operating 24/7 to stimulate night-time economic activity and local creative industries.
To boost market access, the initiative will introduce the Ghana Cultural Passport, a digital platform offering curated cultural experiences for tourists.
Ghana’s embassies will promote creative exports, while licensing and export support systems will connect local creatives to global distribution networks.
Financing for the project will be provided through the 24H+ Value Chain Financing Facility and a Technical Assistance Grant Facility. Phase 2 of the rollout (2026-2027) will see the operationalisation of the Ghana Cultural Passport, regional cultural programmes, and creative districts across the country.
By Phase 3, the focus will shift to export expansion and international partnerships.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
