17th National Festival of Arts and Culture for Basic Schools

The 17th National Festival of Arts and Culture for Basic Schools is a five-day cultural event spearheaded by the Ghana Education Service (GES) Arts and Culture Department. Scheduled to run from Sunday, August 9, to Thursday, August 13, 2026, the festival is hosted in Techiman, located in the Bono East Region of Ghana.

The festival provides a vital platform for young talents from all 16 regions of Ghana to exhibit their diverse cultural heritage. Activities are primarily held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Girls’ Senior High School and Techiman Senior High School, featuring 16 cultural troupes. These groups showcase their skills through performances in music, dance, drama, poetry, traditional costumes, and other forms of artistic expression. The event draws a significant audience, including basic school pupils, education officials, teachers, traditional authorities, dignitaries, and members of the public.

Beyond the competitive aspect, the festival aims to foster national unity, strengthen cultural identity, and cultivate creativity among young participants. It offers an invaluable opportunity for pupils from various parts of the country to interact, learn from each other, and deepen their appreciation for Ghana’s rich and diverse cultural traditions and values. The GES emphasizes that such initiatives are integral to promoting holistic education by nurturing creativity, confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of national identity among learners.