The Ussher Fort and James Fort has been reopened to the general public after the completion of safety reviews and consultations with the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB).

This announcement was made by the Ministry of Tourism on its Facebook page on December 22, 2025.

"The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts wishes to inform the general public, tour operators, and all stakeholders that Ussher Fort and James Fort have been reopened to the public with immediate effect," a part of the statement read.

In announcing the reopening, the Ministry explained that: " As part of the reopening, the Ministry, in collaboration with the GMMB, has put in place strict access guidelines and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that visits do not interfere with the ongoing restoration works. All visitors, tour guides, and operators are required to comply fully with these measures. Unauthorized access outside approved areas remains strictly prohibited."

Meanwhile, government is getting ready to renovate the Ghana National Theatre into a modern facility that meets contemporary production standards and delivers world-class creative experiences.

Days ago, a delegation from the Chinese government held discussions with the leadership of the National Theatre, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, ministry directors, and architects after touring the facility to carry out a first-hand assessment and determine the scope of work.

The theatre, which has been a centre for Ghana’s performing arts for more than three decades, is currently facing infrastructural and technical difficulties, with some systems and departments operating below capacity.

The proposed refurbishment is expected to resolve these challenges and help restore the monument to its former state.

Executive Director of the National Theatre, Mr Henry Herbert Malm, described the renovation as an important step in enhancing the theatre’s ability to deliver quality productions.

He explained that the upgrades would modernise technical systems, enhance safety standards, and provide a more comfortable setting for performers, staff, and patrons.

“This renovation reflects our commitment to staying relevant in a rapidly evolving creative industry,” he added.

Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, welcomed the progress being made, saying she was pleased that the long-planned refurbishment was finally moving forward.

She praised the Chinese government for its support for the project, pointing out that the understanding was reached during President John Dramani Mahama’s recent five-day visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

She also described the National Theatre as a vital space for both local and international cultural exchange and learning, noting that the renovation would create more opportunities for talented individuals to display and refine their skills.

“We are counting on strong collaboration with the government and people of China, and we expect that in a very short time this renovation will see the light of day,” she said.

Head of the Chinese delegation, Mr Li Yaohong, said Ghana’s strong cultural heritage in West Africa informed China’s decision to originally construct the monument and its renewed commitment to refurbish it.

He disclosed that the Chinese government had pledged $30 million (about ¥200 million yuan) to fund two projects — the National Theatre and an off-road market.

“Our budget is limited, so we propose that you prioritise the most urgently needed parts of the building. Our head office in Beijing will send a technical team to Ghana to review more details,” Mr Yaohong said.

The areas earmarked for renovation include the various halls and stages, storage facilities, air-conditioning systems, and safety features such as perimeter fencing, CCTV, modern fire-fighting equipment, as well as a general upgrade of the entire compound.

The National Theatre was built under an agreement signed on July 5, 1989, with construction starting on March 8, 1990, and concluding on December 16, 1992. The facility was officially inaugurated on December 30, 1992.

The theatre was designed to lead Ghana’s theatre development by serving as a versatile space for concerts, dance, drama, musical performances, exhibitions, and other special events.

It is home to three resident groups: the National Dance Company, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the National Drama Company.