Africa-Press – Ghana. The National Commission on Culture (NCC) is at a defining point in Ghana’s cultural evolution, balancing the preservation of heritage with a renewed vision that positions culture as a tool for national cohesion, innovation and economic growth in the 21st century.
Established by PNDC Law 238, the NCC was initially designed as an umbrella body overseeing institutions such as the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, the W.E.B. Du Bois Centres and the National Folklore Board.
Over time, many of these bodies have gained autonomy with their own governing boards, creating what Mr. Wakefield Akuaku, Acting Executive Director of the NCC, describes as overlapping and sometimes unclear mandates.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Akuaku said the Commission’s core responsibility remained the promotion, development and preservation of Ghanaian culture, but this must now be pursued through collaboration rather than control. He stressed the need to amend the enabling statute to reflect current realities and clarify the Commission’s role.
Mandate in Transition
While statutory reforms are being pursued, the NCC continues to operate under its existing mandate, guided by a National Cultural Policy last updated in 2004.
Mr. Akuaku acknowledged the policy was outdated but expressed optimism that a revised policy would be adopted within the year.
“When that policy comes into force, it will guide us better and help Ghanaians clearly understand what the National Commission on Culture stands for,” he said.
Currently, the NCC does not exercise exclusive regulatory authority over cultural activities nationwide.
Festivals, fairs and conferences are often organised without reference to the Commission, sometimes deviating from national cultural values and standards.
“These are bottlenecks, but they are not insurmountable.” Mr. Akuaku said, noting that improved legislation, collaboration and public awareness would help address them.
The goal, he explained, is to foster an enabling environment where cultural expression thrived alongside national coherence.
A Monthly Cultural Calendar
At the heart of the Commission’s medium-term strategy is a structured programme that assigns a cultural theme to each month of the year, ensuring focus, measurable impact and nationwide participation.
January is dedicated to research and development, aimed at activating long-standing cultural studies. February focuses on drum language, indigenous languages and authorship, including the revival of the Student Drama Festival for second-cycle students.
March highlights heritage and history, encouraging communities to tell their own stories while re-examining Ghana’s independence narrative.
April is devoted to Pan-Africanism, while May explores the intersection of culture and extractive industries, including environmental degradation and illegal mining.
Innovation and technology, including traditional medicine, take centre stage in June.
July examines the evolving Ghanaian family, August celebrates food and festivals, and September honours the arts in all forms.
October focuses on storytelling and filmmaking, reviving fireside narratives and examining cultural representation in film. November highlights fashion and accessories, celebrating generational craftsmanship and indigenous enterprise, while December culminates in music, masquerades and festive celebrations, positioning culture as both identity and industry.
Mr. Akuaku said the programme supports the vision of a 24-hour cultural economy, with activities running concurrently across regions and districts, while allowing for local variation and authenticity.
Nationwide Presence and Partnerships
One of the NCC’s key strengths is its nationwide footprint, with cultural officers in every district and Centres for National Culture across all regions. These centres include auditoriums, theatres and large outdoor spaces, though many require refurbishment.
Rather than seeing this as a limitation, Mr. Akuaku says the Commission views it as an opportunity to activate existing infrastructure in support of government’s 24-hour economy agenda and local cultural development.
Funding remains a challenge, but the NCC is shifting away from reliance on heavy public financing and encouraging partnerships with private individuals, creative groups and investors.
“We have the spaces. Come, let us partner,” he said, inviting collaborations for performances, exhibitions, film screenings, cultural villages and creative hubs.
Achievements and Flagship Events
Since assuming office, Mr. Akuaku says priority has been given to staff welfare, inter-agency collaboration, international partnerships and engagement with traditional authorities and traditional religion practitioners. These efforts are strengthening cultural governance and national cohesion.
A major upcoming highlight is the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) 2026, scheduled for Ho in the Volta Region. Described as the “World Cup of Culture,” the festival is expected to showcase Ghana’s cultural diversity on a grand scale.
Culture as Cohesion
On issues of identity and social cohesion, the NCC promotes dialogue and cultural exchange rather than enforcement. By blending dances, languages, foods and artistic expressions, the Commission seeks to foster tolerance and shared national pride.
“When we play together, we understand each other better.” Mr. Akuaku said. “Culture is not about policing, it is about immersion.”
Persistent Challenges
Despite renewed strategic direction, the NCC continues to face structural and operational challenges.
The most nagging issue is the outdated PNDC Law 238, which no longer reflects institutional realities. Closely linked is the absence of a current cultural policy, limiting coordination and long-term planning.
The lack of regulatory oversight over cultural programming nationwide also makes it difficult to ensure quality control and alignment with national values. Infrastructure deterioration, underfunding and underutilisation of cultural centres further constrain operations.
Mr. Akuaku also raised concerns about the dominance of foreign content on radio and television, advocating legislation to ensure at least 70 per cent Ghanaian content.
He acknowledged shortcomings in the Commission’s visibility and digital presence but said steps were being taken to address them.
Turning Challenges into Opportunity
Despite these constraints, Mr. Akuaku remains optimistic that statutory reform, a new cultural policy and stronger partnerships will enable the NCC to fully assume its role as Ghana’s cultural compass.
“Culture grows when people see it, experience it and believe in it,” he said.
By the end of 2026, the Commission aims to achieve stronger national visibility, clearer mandates and a revitalised cultural ecosystem.
As Ghana repositions culture as both identity and industry, the NCC is seeking not only to lead, but to bring every Ghanaian along.
