The Ghana Education Service (GES), through its Arts and Culture Department, has successfully concluded the 17th National Festival of Arts and Culture for Basic Schools, held from Sunday, 9th to Thursday, 13th August 2026 in Techiman in the Bono East Region.

The five-day festival brought together 16 cultural troupes representing all 16 regions of Ghana, providing a vibrant national platform for young learners to showcase their talents and celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the country.

Hosted at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Girls’ Senior High School and Techiman Senior High School, the festival featured a wide range of artistic and cultural expressions, including traditional music and dance, drama, poetry, costumes and other forms of creative performance.

From the opening ceremony to the final day, the festival was characterised by colour, creativity, enthusiasm and a strong spirit of cultural pride. Pupils from different regions had the opportunity not only to compete and demonstrate their artistic abilities, but also to interact with one another, learn about different cultural traditions and build friendships beyond their respective regions.

The opening ceremony brought together dignitaries, education officials, teachers, pupils, traditional authorities, parents and members of the public. The Regional Minister was represented by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Kintampo North, Hon. Isaac Donkor, while the Bono East Regional Director of Education, Rev. Fr. Kingsley Dwamena Asante, also graced the occasion. The ceremony was chaired by Nana Apinteng Foso Gyabuo II.

The impressive participation of basic school pupils and members of the public throughout the festival underscored the growing importance of arts and culture as an integral component of education. The performances provided a window into Ghana’s rich cultural diversity, while demonstrating the creativity, confidence, discipline and potential of the young participants.

Beyond the competitive element, the festival served as a powerful platform for national cohesion. By bringing together children from all 16 regions, it created an environment where differences in language, traditions, costumes, music and dance became opportunities for learning, appreciation and mutual respect.

The festival also reaffirmed the important role of arts and culture in the holistic development of learners. Through participation in cultural and artistic activities, pupils are given opportunities to develop self-confidence, teamwork, discipline, creativity, leadership skills and a deeper appreciation of their identity and heritage.

At the closing ceremony, the Bono East Regional Director of Education, Rev. Fr. Kingsley Dwamena Asante, delivered the closing remarks, commending the participants, organisers, teachers and stakeholders for their contributions towards the success of the festival.

In his closing remarks, the Regional Director emphasised the value of sustaining initiatives that expose young people to Ghana’s cultural heritage and provide them with platforms to develop and express their talents.

The Director of Culture, Mr. Evans Mat, subsequently formally brought the ceremony and the 17th National Festival of Arts and Culture for Basic Schools to a close.

The successful conclusion of the festival marks another significant milestone in the Ghana Education Service’s commitment to promoting culture, creativity and holistic education within the basic school system.

The 17th National Festival has demonstrated that when young Ghanaians are given the platform, they can not only preserve and celebrate the nation’s cultural heritage but also use it as a bridge for friendship, unity and national development.

As the curtains came down in Techiman, the festival left behind more than memories of outstanding performances. It reinforced a powerful message: Ghana’s cultural diversity is a strength, and investing in the creative potential of young people is an investment in the future of the nation.

The Ghana Education Service expresses its appreciation to all participating regions, pupils, teachers, education officials, traditional authorities, host institutions, partners, sponsors and members of the public whose collective efforts contributed to the successful organisation of the 17th National Festival of Arts and Culture for Basic Schools.