Published on
December 25, 2025
Ghana’s cultural scene has once again taken centre stage with the return of the Festival of Plays in Accra, bringing together theatre lovers from across the country and beyond. This celebrated event, which showcases six original plays by a renowned playwright, not only highlights the rich storytelling tradition of Ghana but also has significant implications for local tourism. With its impressive performances and tiered pricing options, the festival is making theatre more accessible while drawing visitors to the city, creating a positive impact on both the tourism sector and Accra’s cultural life.
The Festival of Plays: A Cultural Journey for Theatre Enthusiasts
The Festival of Plays is one of the most anticipated cultural events in Accra, and for good reason. Running from December 24 to 28, 2025, and continuing into the New Year until January 4, 2026, this festival is a multi-day celebration of the art of theatre, offering a diverse mix of thought-provoking performances. These performances dive into themes that resonate with audiences across the globe—relationships, personal struggles, love, and social issues—while maintaining the signature humour and depth that have made the event famous.
The festival, hosted at the National Theatre in Accra, promises an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike. With two performances scheduled daily—at 4 pm and 8 pm—there’s ample opportunity for attendees to witness the magic of Ghanaian theatre. The festival lineup this year includes six captivating plays: Terms of Divorce, Dubai or No Sex, The Ex Factor, Love on the Ropes, Voices in My Head, and Order for Four. Each of these pieces brings something fresh to the stage, offering audiences a mix of drama, romance, and comedy while tackling important societal issues.
Affordable Access to Premium Theatre Experiences
One of the most remarkable aspects of this year’s Festival of Plays is its commitment to affordability and inclusivity. By introducing three distinct ticket options, Roverman Productions ensures that people from all walks of life can enjoy premium theatre performances without breaking the bank. This commitment to affordable access is a game-changer for the local cultural scene, as it allows both locals and international visitors to experience world-class theatre at reasonable prices.
Ticket options include a special rate for Loyalty Card Holders, available exclusively through the Rover App. These tickets are priced at GH¢225 per show, offering a substantial discount to frequent patrons and making it easy for theatre lovers to stay engaged with the festival. Regular tickets are priced at GH¢300 per show, available for purchase through various outlets, including online platforms, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience. For true theatre enthusiasts, the Festival Pack offers exceptional value at GH¢1200, providing access to all six plays, offering a significant saving compared to buying individual tickets.
By making theatre more accessible, the festival ensures that it attracts a wide variety of audiences, from local residents to international visitors eager to experience Ghanaian culture. This inclusivity is a key driver for tourism in Accra, as the festival positions itself as an essential cultural event for visitors looking to immerse themselves in local arts and traditions.
A Boost to Ghana’s Tourism Industry
The Festival of Plays does more than just provide entertainment—it also plays a crucial role in enhancing the city’s tourism offerings. As the festival attracts visitors from various parts of Ghana and overseas, it boosts local tourism by drawing people to Accra, especially during the festive season. The timing of the event, occurring between Christmas and New Year, aligns perfectly with the holiday travel season, when many people seek cultural experiences as part of their holiday activities.
Ghana’s tourism sector, which has been steadily growing in recent years, stands to benefit significantly from events like the Festival of Plays. International tourists, particularly those interested in the arts and culture, are increasingly looking to destinations that offer authentic cultural experiences. By hosting a high-profile event like this, Accra enhances its reputation as a cultural hub in West Africa, attracting more visitors each year. The festival also provides a unique opportunity for international travellers to explore the city’s rich artistic heritage while enjoying the hospitality and local charm that Accra has to offer.
The Economic Impact of Cultural Festivals
Beyond cultural enrichment, the Festival of Plays also has an economic impact on Accra’s tourism industry. As more people travel to the city to attend the event, local businesses—ranging from hotels and restaurants to transport services—benefit from the influx of visitors. Hotels in Accra are often fully booked during the festival period, while shops, markets, and food vendors experience increased foot traffic as tourists seek to immerse themselves in the local atmosphere.
The availability of different ticket options also means that people from various economic backgrounds can participate, broadening the demographic of festival-goers and ensuring that the festival remains an event that welcomes people from all walks of life. This inclusive pricing structure can have long-term benefits for Accra’s tourism, as it helps foster a loyal audience that will return for future cultural events.
A Growing Cultural Appeal for International Visitors
As Ghana’s tourism industry continues to evolve, festivals like the Festival of Plays are helping to position the country as an attractive destination for cultural tourism. The performances on offer allow international visitors to experience the heart of Ghanaian culture, providing a deeper understanding of local customs, traditions, and societal issues through the art of theatre.
With the growing global interest in Africa as a travel destination, events such as this festival highlight the unique experiences that Accra offers to the international community. As more travellers seek meaningful, culturally enriching experiences, Ghana is increasingly becoming a must-visit destination for those looking to explore West Africa’s vibrant arts scene.
The Festival of Plays not only attracts tourists to Ghana but also strengthens the country’s standing on the global cultural map. By showcasing the talent of Ghanaian playwrights and performers, the festival offers international audiences a glimpse into the country’s creative brilliance and artistic expression, making it an important component of the broader cultural tourism strategy in the region.
Conclusion: Accra’s Cultural Legacy and Future Prospects
As the Festival of Plays continues to captivate audiences in Accra, it’s clear that the city’s vibrant cultural scene is only set to grow. Through accessible ticket options, high-quality performances, and its impact on local tourism, the festival plays a crucial role in Ghana’s tourism development. It brings together people from different backgrounds, fosters a deeper appreciation for Ghanaian theatre, and provides an avenue for visitors to experience the country’s rich culture.
Accra’s future as a cultural tourism hub looks promising, with the Festival of Plays paving the way for more events of its kind. By embracing its cultural roots and promoting events that showcase the country’s artistic achievements, Ghana is positioning itself as a leading destination for travellers seeking authentic and immersive experiences in West Africa.
As the world’s tourism industry continues to recover, cultural festivals like this offer a sustainable model for growth, ensuring that local communities can benefit from tourism while preserving their rich heritage. The Festival of Plays in Accra exemplifies how culture, tourism, and community can come together to create a thriving, inclusive tourism sector, making Ghana a must-visit destination for global travellers.
