Government to Convert National Cathedral Site into National Cultural Centre

The government has announced plans to turn the unfinished National Cathedral project into the National Cultural Convention Centre (NCCC), a key part of a new policy to boost Ghana’s creative economy. The centre will serve as a major venue for international exhibitions, film festivals, trade shows, and cultural summits.

This change is part of the SH0W24 initiative—a 24-hour economy plan for culture, creative arts, and tourism. The NCCC will be developed in partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat and aims to become a leading cultural and creative hub in Africa.

According to the SH0W24 policy document, this project will help fill a major gap in Ghana’s cultural infrastructure without conflicting with religious or national values. The transformation also addresses concerns about the original National Cathedral project, which faced delays, rising costs, and criticism over its relevance and use of public funds.

The SH0W24 programme includes several major plans:

• A National Creators Academy to train youth in music, film, fashion, digital media, and performance arts using modern tools like AI and virtual reality.

• A 24H+ Community Centre Network, involving over 250 centres nationwide, to support training, exhibitions, performances, and local economic activity—operating day and night.

• A Ghana Cultural Passport, a digital platform for curated cultural experiences for tourists, especially from the diaspora.

• Support for creative businesses through financing and grants, along with export promotion through Ghana’s embassies.

The SH0W24 plan will be rolled out in phases:

• Phase 1 (2025–2026): Feasibility studies and early implementation.

• Phase 2 (2026–2027): Launch of cultural passports, regional programmes, and creative districts.

• Phase 3 (2028–2030): Commissioning of the NCCC and focus on exports and global partnerships.

Originally launched by former President Akufo-Addo, the National Cathedral was planned to include a 5,000-seat auditorium, a Bible Museum, a music school, and other multi-use spaces. However, the project stalled amid controversy over public spending and transparency.

The government now sees the NCCC as a new direction—one that reflects Ghana’s cultural diversity, supports economic growth through the arts, and offers a space that unites, rather than divides, the nation.