The government of Ghana has changed its plan for the unfinished National Cathedral project. Instead of completing it as a religious building, the government now plans to convert the site into a National Cultural Convention Centre (NCCC). This new project is part of a larger effort to promote Ghana’s creative arts, culture, and tourism sector.The Cultural Centre will become a top destination for major international events such as film festivals, exhibitions, cultural shows, trade fairs, and global meetings. The goal is to make it the number one venue in Africa for cultural and creative activities.
The decision comes from a new government programme called SH0W24, which is designed to build a 24-hour economy using Ghana’s cultural and creative potential. The government believes that this new centre will help the country grow economically, offer more jobs, and promote Ghana to the world — all without disrespecting any religious or national beliefs.
Why Change the Cathedral Project?
The National Cathedral was first announced in 2018. It was supposed to be a national Christian worship space that would unite Ghanaians under one religious symbol. But the project faced many problems:
Delays in construction
Unclear management and decision-making
Rising costs
Complaints from citizens
Concerns about public funds being used for a religious building in a secular country
Even though the government initially said the Cathedral would be built with private donations, large amounts of public money were spent. This caused a public outcry. Many civil society groups, opposition parties, and even some religious leaders called for the project to be stopped or completely reviewed.
Because of all this, the government decided to make a big change — instead of continuing with the Cathedral, it will use the land and the partly completed building for something more inclusive: a centre that serves all Ghanaians, not just one religion.
What is SH0W24?
SH0W24 stands for a plan to build a 24-hour economy focused on the creative industry, culture, and tourism. This strategy includes:
1. Building major infrastructure like the new NCCC
2. Training young people in creative careers
3. Providing financial and technical support for creative businesses
4. Expanding cultural activities across Ghana
5. Creating digital tools and global partnerships to promote Ghana’s culture
The NCCC is just one part of this bigger plan. SH0W24 aims to make the creative economy a strong part of Ghana’s future, with real opportunities for jobs, business, and tourism.
Features of the New National Cultural Convention Centre (NCCC)
The NCCC will:
Serve as a modern space for global events in arts and culture
Provide a venue for music, film, fashion, design, crafts, and technology-based performances
Help Ghana become a top destination for cultural tourism
Attract visitors and creatives from Africa and beyond
Create income opportunities for local artists and entrepreneurs
This centre will fill a major gap in Ghana’s infrastructure. According to the government, there is no facility of this kind currently available in the country or even in many parts of Africa. By using the Cathedral site for the NCCC, Ghana can build a world-class venue without starting from scratch.
When Will the Project Happen?
The SH0W24 plan is split into three phases:
Phase 1 (2025–2026): This will involve feasibility studies and planning. Experts will look at what is needed to turn the site into a functioning cultural centre.
Phase 2 (2026–2027): Key programmes will begin. These include launching the Ghana Cultural Passport, starting regional cultural events, and setting up creative districts across the country.
Phase 3 (2028–2030): By this time, the government expects to fully open the NCCC. This phase will also focus on expanding exports, helping Ghana’s cultural products reach international markets, and building global partnerships.
Other Projects Under SH0W24
The SH0W24 initiative is not only about the NCCC. Many other projects are included in the plan to support the creative economy:
1. National Creators Academy
A new school will be created to train young people in careers such as:
Music
Film
Fashion design
Digital media
Cultural dance and performance
This academy will use modern technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) to help students learn advanced skills. Business and cultural education will also be included to prepare youth for real-world success.
2. Community Centres Nationwide
More than 250 community centres will be built or refurbished across the country. These will be called 24H+ Centres and will be open all day and night. People can use them for:
Training
Workshops
Exhibitions
Performances
Film screenings
This will boost night-time economic activities, help local artists, and encourage more creative work in different regions.
3. Ghana Cultural Passport
This is a digital platform that will let tourists and diaspora visitors explore Ghana’s rich culture easily. Through the app, users can:
Find cultural events
Join guided tours
Watch performances
Connect with local creators
Purchase art and crafts
The Ghana embassies abroad will also help promote these cultural experiences, giving the world more access to Ghana’s creative exports.
Support for Creative Businesses
To help Ghanaian creators and artists build sustainable businesses, the government will provide:
24H+ Value Chain Financing Facility – This will offer loans and financial aid to people in the creative industry.
Technical Assistance Grant Facility – This will help businesses get expert advice, training, and tools to grow and compete internationally.
The Big Picture: Turning a Problem into a Solution
The original National Cathedral project faced serious criticism because it did not seem inclusive and lacked clear planning. Now, the government wants to turn the site into a place that benefits all Ghanaians, including youth, artists, entrepreneurs, and tourists.
The SH0W24 plan sees the creative sector as a powerful force for:
Job creation
Youth innovation
Global recognition
Economic transformation
However, it also acknowledges the current problems, such as:
Poor infrastructure
Lack of skilled workers
Limited funding
Few global connections
The NCCC and other SH0W24 initiatives are designed to solve these problems step by step.
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