The Ghana Education Service (GES) has commenced the 17th National Festival of Arts and Culture for Basic Schools in Techiman in the Bono East Region, bringing together young talents from all 16 regions to showcase Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.

The five-day festival, which began on Sunday, August 9, 2026, and ends on Thursday, August 13, is being organised through the GES Arts and Culture Department.

Activities are being held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Girls’ Senior High School and Techiman Senior High School, where 16 cultural troupes representing the regions are showcasing their talents in music, dance, drama, poetry, costumes and other forms of artistic expression.

The opening ceremony on Monday, August 10, brought together 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 has attracted large numbers of basic school pupils, who have gathered to support their colleagues and witness the various cultural performances and displays.

Beyond competition, the National Festival of Arts and Culture provides a platform for promoting national unity, cultural identity and creativity among young people.

It also enables pupils from different parts of the country to interact, learn from one another and develop a deeper appreciation of Ghana’s diverse cultural traditions and values.

The GES said initiatives such as the festival form part of efforts to promote holistic education by nurturing creativity, confidence, discipline and a strong sense of national identity among learners.

As the festival continues, participants are expected to take part in further cultural performances, artistic displays and competitions as they showcase their talents and celebrate Ghana’s cultural heritage.