Kumasi: Media personality Nana Frimpong Ziega has issued a stern warning that the government could encounter a significant political backlash if President John Mahama does not keep his promise to construct a national theatre in Kumasi. According to him, this project has become a crucial commitment to the creative arts community in the Ashanti Region, especially because President Mahama made this promise without any external pressure.
According to Ghana Web, during a discussion on UTV's United Showbiz on August 16, 2026, Nana Frimpong Ziega explained that the situation would have been different if the theatre project had already commenced under a previous administration and President Mahama was merely expected to complete it. Ziega emphasized that failing to deliver on this promise could result in political repercussions for the NDC, referring to it as "political suicide."
He highlighted the economic improvements made by the current government since assuming office, such as better inflation rates and a more favorable exchange rate. However, he warned that these achievements could be overshadowed politically if the government does not fulfill its commitment to the creative industry. Ziega noted that inflation had decreased from 21.7 percent before the 2024 election to 4.5 percent, and the dollar exchange rate had improved from GH?14.70 to GH?11.70.
Nana Frimpong Ziega expressed concern that voters who recognize the government's economic performance might become disillusioned if the Kumasi theatre promise is not fulfilled. He remarked that it would be unfortunate if voters decided to vote against President Mahama due to the unfulfilled promise, despite the positive microeconomic indicators.
The media personality further explained that President Mahama voluntarily made the promise when representatives of the creative industry met him at the Flagstaff House. Ziega pointed out that no one pressured the President into making this commitment, which underscores its importance. He also recalled that President Mahama mentioned a grant from a bank in Turkey as part of the financing arrangements for the project, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.