Bernard Avle Advocates for Theatre as a More Effective Tool for Social Change Than Lectures.
Former Ghana Journalist Association Journalist of the Year, Bernard Avle, believes that theatre is a more powerful medium for raising awareness about rights and responsibilities among Ghanaians than traditional lecture-based methods.
Speaking at the 2025 STAR-Ghana Foundation Akoto Ampaw Active Citizenship Dialogue (AAACD) in Accra on February 19, 2025, Mr. Avle emphasized that reclaiming Ghana’s cultural space through theatre and the arts is essential, as people are more receptive to engaging storytelling than direct instruction on societal improvement.
Delivering a keynote address titled “Inter-Generational Dialogue for Active Citizenship: Lessons and Opportunities for the Future,” he called for greater investment in Ghana’s music, film, and arts industries to maximize their potential in shaping national consciousness.
“People naturally gravitate towards entertainment, but they often resist being lectured about how to improve their lives. That’s why enlightening through entertainment is so powerful,” he stated.
Mr. Avle cited renowned creatives such as Obrafour, Chief Moomen, and Nana Asaase as cultural activists whose work seamlessly blends education with entertainment. He stressed that Ghana must invest in its storytellers to counter the dominance of foreign content that does little to instill a strong sense of national identity.
“If we support our creatives, people can be entertained while unconsciously learning about self-worth, civic responsibility, and national pride. Instead of importing foreign soap operas with Ghanaian subtitles, we should champion our own cultural narratives,” he added.
About the Akoto Ampaw Active Citizenship Dialogue
Since its establishment in 2021, the AAACD has served as a platform for fostering civic engagement, participatory governance, and social accountability in Ghana. Organized annually by STAR-Ghana Foundation, the event convenes civil society organizations, policymakers, academics, and active citizens to address pressing national issues.
Following the passing of lawyer Akoto Ampaw in 2023, the event was renamed in his honor, recognizing his lifelong contributions to democracy, human rights, and active citizenship. His legacy continues to inspire efforts to strengthen civic participation in Ghana’s governance and development.