Renovation of Abandoned Cinemas Now Set to Boost Tourism and Creative Arts in Ghana, Get the Details Here

Published on November 26, 2025

The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts has made a public statement ordering all those with illegal occupation of the community cinemas all over the country to leave the community cinemas in order to facilitate the renovations of the community cinemas in order to preserve the community cinemas which have fallen into disrepair over the years. Restoring community cinemas will preserve the community cinema and will promote the film culture within the community and the broader creative arts tourism and community development.

The government has identified the disused community cinemas as a primary resource in the development of the local film sector. The renovations of the community cinemas will create modern community entertainment venues and stimulate the the the film culture of the community and the surrounding region. The government will modernize the community cinemas in order to fulfill the objectives of the the creative economy and the the arts and tourism inter related infrastructures.

Vacating Occupants to Facilitate Renovation Works

The decision to vacate the abandoned cinemas has been met with mixed reactions from those occupying the facilities. However, the Minister has emphasized that the unauthorized occupation of these buildings has hindered the government’s plans for renovation. Without clearing these spaces, the necessary refurbishment cannot proceed.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the abandoned cinemas hold significant potential for contributing to the local creative economy. By restoring and repurposing these spaces, the government aims to revitalize the film industry, enhance community entertainment options, and ultimately provide more venues for tourists to enjoy. These renovated cinemas are expected to host screenings, community events, and even workshops that promote local filmmakers and foster creativity.

A Key Step in Strengthening Film Production and Creative Economy

The renovation of these community cinemas is seen as a critical step toward rejuvenating the country’s film production capabilities. These cinemas were once bustling hubs for local film culture, but over time, they became underutilized and deteriorated due to a lack of investment and upkeep. By investing in the restoration of these facilities, the government hopes to create spaces that will contribute to the growth of local filmmaking, entertainment, and tourism.

As part of a broader plan, the government is focusing on not just the physical infrastructure but also on building a more robust creative economy. The renovation of these cinemas will play a role in providing new opportunities for filmmakers, actors, and other creative professionals to showcase their work and grow their careers. Furthermore, by improving the quality of these venues, the government aims to attract more visitors, both local and international, to engage with the country’s vibrant film culture.

Engaging Stakeholders to Boost the Tourism and Creative Sectors

During a two-day working tour of the Ashanti Region, the Minister visited various tourism, culture, and creative arts sites, engaging with key stakeholders about the future of these industries. The tour also provided a platform for discussions on how to make tourism in the region more attractive and how to strengthen the value chain of the creative arts sector.

Stakeholders included Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), who represent local government entities, as well as Kumawood actors and leaders from the hospitality industry. Together, they discussed strategies for improving the tourism experience in the Ashanti Region, one of the country’s most culturally rich and historically significant areas. The goal is to develop a tourism model that not only promotes the region’s attractions but also enhances the economic opportunities for local communities through creative industries like film and the arts.

The Minister’s tour and engagement with these stakeholders reflect a strong push to create a more integrated and sustainable tourism model. By aligning the growth of the tourism sector with the development of creative industries, the government aims to create a more dynamic economy that benefits a wide range of people and sectors. The renovation of cinemas is one element of this broader vision, as these venues will become key spaces for cultural expression and community engagement.

Challenges Faced by the Local Film Industry

A significant topic of discussion during these engagements was the challenges faced by the local film industry. One of the primary concerns raised was the high taxes imposed on filmmakers, particularly after the premiere of new films. Filmmakers from the Kumawood movie industry, a regional film sector based in the Ashanti Region, expressed concerns about the financial burden caused by heavy taxation.

The high tax rates, imposed by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), have been described as crippling by industry professionals. These taxes make it increasingly difficult for filmmakers to sustain their businesses, create new projects, and invest in the future of the film industry. The Kumawood Actors Association’s General Secretary highlighted that these fiscal challenges could stifle growth and innovation within the sector. Without financial relief, filmmakers and actors may struggle to continue producing content, limiting the potential of the local film industry and its ability to attract tourism.

The issue of taxation is not only a concern for filmmakers but also for the broader creative arts and tourism sectors. A thriving local film industry can contribute significantly to the country’s tourism appeal, with international visitors coming to explore filming locations or attend screenings and film festivals. However, high taxes on local productions could dampen the creativity and output of the industry, affecting the country’s image as a cultural destination.

Improving Community Entertainment and Tourism Appeal

The restoration of community cinemas goes beyond the film industry itself. These venues also play a role in community entertainment and tourism development. By improving access to cultural spaces, the government aims to provide more opportunities for local residents to engage in artistic and entertainment activities. Additionally, the renovated cinemas will serve as attractions for tourists who are interested in the country’s vibrant arts and film culture.

The addition of modern amenities, including comfortable seating, high-quality audio-visual equipment, and facilities for special events, will enhance the overall visitor experience. Furthermore, the cinemas will serve as spaces for community events, such as film festivals, local screenings, and cultural workshops, that can attract both local and international visitors. By fostering a more inclusive and diverse creative scene, the government hopes to elevate the country’s profile as a destination for cultural tourism.

A New Era for Film and Tourism in the Ashanti Region

Renovating the region’s abandoned cinemas is the first step of a long journey to strengthen the country’s film industry, its tourism arm, and of course, the Ashanti Regions film sector. The potential of these region’s abandoned film structures can economically and culturally transform the Ashanti Region’s creative economy.

The government targets weak industry infrastructures, high taxes, and a general disservice to the film process/industry to improve creative film outputs. Renovating the abandoned film structures will improve the “captive market” provided by the local film industry. It will also enhance the local and outside cultural tourism experiences, a region rich in cultural diversity.