Government has underlined it is serious about a National Theatre in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, according to Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson. 

The minister brought up the project when he presented the 2026 Budget to Parliament, Thursday, November 13, 2025.

He had noted funding had been earmarked for a long overdue makeover for the National Theatre in Accra, Greater Accra Region, when he broached a similar edifice in Kumasi, as promised by President John Dramani Mahama before his return to power via the December 2024 elections.

"Mr Speaker, in 2026, government will rehabilitate the National Theatre in Accra," Dr Ato Forson specified. 

"We will also commence site acquisition and design of a second national theatre in Kumasi," he added.

In recent years, there have been calls from stakeholders for the urgent rehabilitation of the National Theatre, Accra, as air-conditioners and seats, among other things, were in disrepair. This condition had forced many artists, producers and directors to turn to other facilities for their shows, chipping at the iconic cultural edifice's significance and depriving it of much-needed revenue. 

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has also moved to appoint new boards and executive teams to captain the 33-year-old facility to a harbour of robust patronage and commercial success.