The Ghana Education Service (GES), through its Arts and Culture Department, has commenced the 17th National Festival of Arts and Culture for Basic Schools in Techiman in the Bono East Region.
The five-day festival, which began on Sunday, August 9, 2026, and runs until Thursday, August 13, has brought together young talents from all 16 regions of Ghana to showcase the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Activities are being held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Girls’ Senior High School and Techiman Senior High School, with 16 cultural troupes representing the various regions participating in the festival.
The pupils are showcasing their talents through traditional music, dance, drama, poetry, costumes and other forms of artistic expression, giving them an opportunity to share the unique cultural traditions of their respective regions.
The official opening ceremony, held on Monday, August 10, attracted education officials, teachers, pupils, traditional authorities, dignitaries and members of the public.
The Bono East Regional Minister was represented at the ceremony by the Municipal Chief Executive for Kintampo North, Isaac Donkor, while the Bono East Regional Director of Education, Rev. Kingsley Gyamina Asante, also attended.
The ceremony was chaired by Nana Apinteng Foso Gyabuo II, who joined other stakeholders in highlighting the importance of arts and culture in the education and development of young people.
The festival also attracted a large number of basic school pupils who turned up to support their colleagues and witness the various cultural performances.
Beyond competition, the National Festival of Arts and Culture provides a platform for promoting national unity, cultural identity, creativity and appreciation of Ghana’s diverse heritage among young people.
It also allows pupils from different regions to interact, learn from one another and develop a deeper appreciation of the cultural values that connect Ghanaians.
Through the initiative, the GES continues to promote arts and culture as an important component of holistic education, with the aim of nurturing creativity, confidence, discipline and a strong sense of national identity among learners.
The festival will continue with more cultural performances, artistic displays and competitions as participating schools showcase the talents and traditions of their respective regions.
CREDIT: MAVIS FANTEVI