Renowned Ghanaian composer and founder of Harmonious Chorale Ghana, James Varrick Armaah, has called on African leaders—especially those in Ghana—to invest in world-class cultural infrastructure, akin to London’s Royal Ballet and Opera House.
In a heartfelt Facebook video, Armaah expressed his admiration for the state-of-the-art venue after visiting it in the UK, yearning for similar developments on the African continent to help nurture and promote the arts.
“Oh my God. This is so nice. I like the acoustic. This is what I pray for our homeland. My Ghananain leaders, just look at this. It is beautiful,” he said.
He further emphasized the importance of music and the arts to well-being, stating, “Music is health. And we need it. I pray for my motherland. I pray for Africa. We need more of this.”
Armaah believes that the presence of such infrastructure would significantly enhance the appreciation and consumption of artistic disciplines such as music, dance, and theatre.
In Ghana, the National Theatre in Accra remains the main public facility dedicated to the performing arts. However, it is in urgent need of refurbishment. Many of its chairs are broken, and despite recent installations of air conditioners, ventilation remains a challenge.
The National Theatre was established through an agreement signed between the Governments of the Republic of Ghana and the People’s Republic of China on July 5, 1989. The deal also covered the reconstruction of the University of Ghana Drama Studio.
More than three decades later, Armaah’s plea reignites a conversation about the necessity for sustained government investment in cultural infrastructure to support the entertainment industry’s growth.
The Royal Ballet and Opera, which so deeply inspired Armaah, stands as one of the UK’s most prestigious cultural institutions. Housing both The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet under one roof, it is supported by more than 3,000 professionals, including creatives, technical experts, and freelancers. Based in London’s Covent Garden, its influence spans globally through live performances, streaming, and touring productions.
James Varrick Armaah, a celebrated figure in Ghana’s gospel music scene, has released four gospel albums and composed over 200 pieces that are performed widely across the country and beyond. He is also the Director of Operations and Executive Secretary of the African Choral and Gospel Championship.
Harmonious Chorale Ghana, which he founded and directs, began in 2005 as the Harmonious Quartet before evolving into its current form in 2007. The award-winning interdenominational choir has earned acclaim across the continent for its exceptional performances.
Armaah holds an MPhil and a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Ghana, alongside an MBA in Human Resource Management from the Methodist University College Ghana.