The Ghana Education Service (GES), through its Arts and Culture Department, has commenced the 17th National Festival of Arts and Culture for Basic Schools, bringing together young talents from across the country to celebrate Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.

The five-day festival, running from Sunday, 9 to Thursday, August 13, 2026, is being hosted in Techiman in the Bono East Region, with activities taking place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Girls’ Senior High School and Techiman Senior High School.

Sixteen cultural troupes, representing all 16 regions of Ghana, are taking part in the festival.

The event provides pupils with the opportunity to showcase the diverse cultural traditions, music, dance, drama, poetry, costumes and other forms of artistic expression unique to their respective regions.

The opening ceremony, held on Monday, August 10, attracted dignitaries, education officials, teachers, pupils, traditional authorities and members of the public.

The Regional Minister was represented by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Kintampo North, Isaac Donkor, while the Bono East Regional Director of Education, Rev. Kingsley Gyamina Asante, also graced the occasion.

The ceremony was chaired by Nana Apinteng Foso Gyabuo II, who, together with other dignitaries and stakeholders, celebrated the importance of culture and the arts in the education and development of young people.

The festival witnessed large participation from basic school pupils, who turned out in their numbers to support their colleagues and enjoy the various cultural displays and performances.

Beyond competition, the National Festival of Arts and Culture serves as an avenue for promoting national unity, cultural identity, creativity and appreciation of Ghana’s diverse heritage among young people. It also allows pupils from different parts of the country to interact, learn from one another and embrace the cultural values that bind Ghanaians together.

Through initiatives such as this, the Ghana Education Service continues to recognise the important role of arts and culture in holistic education, nurturing creativity, confidence, discipline and a strong sense of national identity among learners.

As the festival continues, participants and spectators can look forward to further cultural performances, artistic displays and opportunities for young talents to demonstrate their skills while celebrating the rich culture of Ghana.