The visit, though brief, has sparked fresh conversations about the long-abandoned cultural auditorium project and the Centre’s potential as a top cultural tourism destination in the country.

Mrs. Nyarku-Ampomah, in an interview expressed her gratitude, describing the visit as a blessing and a significant step toward bringing national focus to the Centre’s unfinished projects.

“Now, we know that the spotlight will be on the Centre for National Culture, Volta Region, so that we will be one of the best cultural tourism destinations in Ghana and in Africa,” she remarked.

“The Centre for National Culture in Ho, which sits on a sprawling 32-acre land, outmatching even the Ashanti Region’s 26 acres, has been awaiting the completion of its main auditorium for the past 35 years.

The original plan included an amphitheater, office complex, children’s park, visitors’ garden, tourist accommodations, and other vital cultural facilities. However, decades later, much of that dream remains on paper, hindered by a lack of investor interest and encroachment issues,” she disclosed.

She said Region prepares to host the prestigious 2026 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) between October and November — a landmark event expected to draw local and international guests including the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama — the urgency to complete CNC’s auditorium and supporting infrastructure has intensified.

Mrs. Lydia Nyarku-Ampomah revealed that beyond infrastructure, the Centre envisions becoming a central hub for nurturing and showcasing Volta Region’s rich artistic talent. “This is more than a building for us,” she said.

“It’s a legacy for generations of artisans, performers, and cultural custodians from this region. Once completed, it will not only host major festivals like NAFAC but also offer permanent exhibition spaces, workshops, and business opportunities for our creative community.” she noted

She also raised concerns about the persistent encroachment on the center’s land, calling on relevant authorities to intervene and safeguard the property for cultural development.

“We are losing valuable space every year to private developers. If nothing is done now, we risk not only losing land but the cultural future of this region,” she warned.

In a passionate appeal, the regional director urged investors, cultural partners, and stakeholders from around the world to support the center’s revival efforts. Plans are also underway to transform the Centre for National Culture into a major hub for arts and crafts in Ghana, providing a vibrant marketplace for local artisans and a rich cultural experience for visitors.

The sector minister’s visit has rekindled hope among cultural advocates in the region, with expectations high that it will finally set the stage for long-overdue investment and infrastructural progress at the Centre.