Located in Accra's Victoriaborg district near the junction of Independence Avenue and Liberia Road, the National Theatre of Ghana is a vital venue built to spearhead the nation's theatre movement. Opened in 1992 as a gift from the Chinese, the building spans 11,896 square metres (128,050 square feet) and boasts complicated construction molding with novel exterior features; from a distance, the striking structure resembles a gigantic ship or a seagull spreading its wings.
Visitors can experience a multi-functional space dedicated to dance, musical performances, drama, concerts, exhibitions, and special events. The building houses three resident performing groups: the National Dance Company (also known as The Ghana Dance Ensemble), the National Symphony Orchestra, and the Drama Company, which was established in 1983 as a Model Repertory Troupe.
Beyond classical and modern productions, the theatre hosts beloved concert party shows—a popular Ghanaian-remodeled performance form rooted in the 20th century that combines entertainment with 'theatre-for-development' topics like family planning, AIDS, and environmental protection. Whether you are interested in historical performing arts or unique architectural design, this cultural hub offers a fascinating window into how Ghana remolded its identity following independence.
What to see at National Theatre of Ghana
- Distinctive architecture resembling a gigantic ship or a seagull spreading its wings
- Home to the resident National Dance Company (The Ghana Dance Ensemble)
- Performance space for the National Symphony Orchestra and the Drama Company
- Host venue for traditional and modern Ghanaian concert party theatre shows
Visiting tips
Look out for traditional concert party performances, which blend historic Ghanaian popular theatre with social awareness themes like environmental protection.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: During scheduled performance times
How to get there & what’s nearby
National Theatre of Ghana is easy to reach on Accra’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Osu Castle and National Museum of Ghana. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Accra travel guide.
See the full Accra travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.