Detty Rave convener and Nigerian artiste Mr Eazi has asked the Ghana Tourism Authority to support Ghana’s entertainment industry by making space available for him to set up purpose-built event venues.

He suggests that authorities may doubt his seriousness, which is why he publicly made a $2 million pledge to demonstrate his commitment during his headline performance on December 27, 2025, at Untamed Empire, off the Spintex Road.

“I need to tell the Ghana Tourism Authority that we need proper venues for events in Ghana. I also want to say clearly to the Authority that I need land for both an outdoor and an indoor venue. If the GTA thinks I am not serious, I am pledging $2 million. What I am saying is simple: I need a space in Accra to build a proper rave yard, and I will also build a 3,000-capacity indoor events venue,” he said.

Africa’s flagship Afrodance gathering, Mr Eazi’s Detty Rave, made a powerful return this year with a refreshed and more daring expression.

Branded under the 2025 theme, “Raise the Heat,” the festival amplified originality, high energy, and a revived creative spirit at the heart of the experience.

On Saturday, December 27, 2025, Untamed Empire came alive as an electrifying hub of light, sound, and motion, pairing immersive stage concepts with crystal-clear audio for thousands in attendance.

Now in its seventh edition, Detty Rave 2025 showcased a standout mix of performers and DJs, with appearances from Davido, JHus, SPINALL, Nooriyah, Chichi DJ, Ciza, DJ Aroma, and Choplife Soundsystem.

Meanwhile the Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Abeiku Santana, has praised the previous government for its role in launching the Year of Return and Beyond the Return initiatives, describing them as “fantastic” projects that positioned Ghana as a leading tourist destination.

In an interview with YFM, Abeiku Santana noted that the initiatives helped attract several international events, including Afro Nation, and significantly raised global awareness of Ghana as a tourist hotspot.

“The previous government did a great job, a fantastic job with the launch of the Year of Return and Beyond the Return, which became a major international marketing promotion for Ghana as a destination. It was launched in America and that brought in a lot of event organisers, including Afro Nation, to host their events here. That launch significantly amplified global awareness about Ghana as a destination,” he said.

He emphasized that the current administration has not altered the initiative but is building on the foundation laid by the previous government, extending its reach to cities and destinations that were previously not included.

“What are we doing after the previous government? We are amplifying it because you don’t change a winning formula. The approach hasn’t changed. We are simply building on it by activating cities and destinations that were not previously touched,” Abeiku Santana explained.

Launched in 2019, the Year of Return marked a historic milestone in Ghana’s cultural and historical journey, inviting people of African descent, particularly African Americans, to reconnect with their roots and explore ancestral heritage.

The initiative evolved into the Beyond the Return programme in 2020, designed to sustain the momentum and encourage long-term engagement with the African diaspora.

Abeiku Santana stressed that Ghana is now a competitive tourism destination, with the Year of Return and Beyond the Return initiatives serving as a springboard for ongoing tourism growth.

The Ghana National Theatre is preparing for major renovation works intended to upgrade the historic cultural landmark into a modern facility capable of meeting current production demands and delivering world-class creative output.

Having served Ghana’s performing arts sector for more than 30 years, the theatre is facing structural and technical difficulties that have affected the optimal functioning of some systems and departments.

The upcoming refurbishment is expected to resolve these challenges and revive the theatre’s former status.

Officials from the Chinese government held discussions with the National Theatre’s management, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, directors of the ministry, and architects after inspecting the facility to assess the required works.

The Executive Director of the National Theatre, Mr Henry Herbert Malm, said the renovation would play a vital role in enhancing the institution’s ability to stage high-quality productions.

According to him, the works would upgrade technical infrastructure, strengthen safety measures, and improve comfort for performers, staff, and patrons.

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

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, welcomed the progress made on the long-anticipated refurbishment plan.

She praised the Chinese government for backing the project, explaining that the agreement was finalised during President John Dramani Mahama’s recent five-day visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

She noted that the National Theatre has long served as a key platform for local and international cultural exchange and capacity building, adding that the renovation would open more avenues for creatives to develop and showcase their talents.

“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 rich cultural heritage within the West African sub-region informed China’s decision to construct the theatre and later support its refurbishment.

He disclosed that the Chinese government had allocated $30 million (¥200 million yuan) for two initiatives, namely the National Theatre project 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.

Areas earmarked for renovation include performance halls, stages, storage facilities, air-conditioning systems, safety features such as fencing, CCTV, modern firefighting installations, and general improvements to the surrounding grounds.

The National Theatre was built following an agreement signed on July 5, 1989, with construction beginning on March 8, 1990, and concluding on December 16, 1992. It was officially commissioned on December 30, 1992.

The venue was established to lead Ghana’s theatre movement by offering a versatile space for concerts, dance, drama, musical productions, exhibitions, and special events.

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