Under the framework of Forum on China Africa Cooperation, the Arts Performance Troupe from Gansu Province of China visited Ghana from 4th -8th May 2009. During the visit, the Troupe staged three performances at National Theatre in Accra and put up displays including acrobatics, music, magics and martial arts.

 

Mr. Alexander Asum-Ahensah, Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture of Ghana address the premiere section of the performance and commended China for her assistance to Ghana through political, social, economic and cultural collaboration adding, “this relationship between Ghana and China dates back to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's time.” He said Ghana must take a cue from China, which had developed her cultural heritage to a level that had earned her great reputation both at home and abroad with the help of the private sector. He also appealed to private business organisations in Ghana to help develop the rich Ghanaian cultural heritage into a vibrant industry.

 

Speaking at the premiere performance of the Troupe, Mr Yu Wenzhe, Chinese Ambassador said China and Ghana had enjoyed cordial relationship for over 50 years and that this mutual cooperation had yielded good results in various fields.He said cultural exchange was one of these important fields where many Chinese cultural troupes and their Ghanaian counterparts had exchanged visits that had enabled the people to learn and better understand each other. He also mentioned that the visit of the Troupe is the first of a series of activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of China which comes off in October this year.

 

The visit of the Troupe is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture of China, the Ministry of Chieftaincy & Culture of Ghana, the Chinese Embassy in Ghana, China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce, Ghana-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and China State Hualong Construction (Ghana) Ltd. During the visit, the head of the Troupe paid a courtesy call upon the Mr. Alexander Asum-Ahensah, Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture of Ghana and the Troupe member visited Nkrumah Memorial Park and other historical sites.