Stakeholders in arts education are urging policymakers not to compromise arts education in favor of STEM.

STEM education, encompassing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, is becoming an integral component of the Education Ministry's plans.

The Minister has unveiled multiple interventions, anticipating their role in shaping an innovative workforce in the future.

While acknowledging the positive direction, the Centre for Education Innovation and Development is emphasizing the importance of the government proceeding with caution to avoid neglecting the arts entirely.

The Centre’s Country Lead, Selina Torrison Saaka expressed concern that an excessive focus on STEM might relegate arts education, including literature, among other forms, to the background.

"I feel like the arts are quite silenced. I think that they have a critical part to play. Communication, creativity, and critical thinking are very important in the 21st Century and is very necessary for the holistic development of young people," Ms Saaka explained.

She said this during the High School Poetry Competition held at the University of Ghana on Friday, December 8, 2023.

The Annual Poetry and Essay Competition serves as a platform that unites high school students, teachers, and practitioners to present poetry and essays from various high schools in Ghana.

It is designed to improve the accessibility and quality of learners' innovations in both poetry and essays.

The event was graced by the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, Beauty Emefa Nartey.

Mrs Nartey described poetry as a catalyst for social transformation which should be explored effectively.

She further pledged her outfit's support for the programme in the future.

The students from qualifying schools treated the gathering to poetry performances on topics such as environment, corruption and gender.

The winners also went away with laptops and certificates as well.