The Ashanti Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting holistic education with the launch of the 2026 High Schools Musical Fiesta, an initiative aimed at nurturing students’ talents beyond academics.
Speaking during the launch of the program in Kumasi, Mrs. Yvonne Baafi, a member of the Ashanti GES Staff Band, said education should not be limited to classroom learning and examination performance but should also focus on developing students’ creative, artistic, and vocational abilities.
According to her, many young people possess exceptional talents that often go unnoticed because the education system traditionally places greater emphasis on academic achievement.
“Education should be all-round. While we want our children to excel academically, we must also appreciate and develop the talents that may not fall within the traditional academic framework,” she said.
Mrs. Baafi noted that every child has unique abilities that can be harnessed to create meaningful livelihoods and contribute to national development. She stressed that students who may not achieve top academic grades can still become successful through skills development, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
She explained that recent educational reforms are increasingly focusing on practical skills, technical education, and talent development. Areas such as music, visual arts, home economics, fashion design, and other vocational disciplines are being integrated into learning experiences that expose students to real-world industry practices.
According to her, the objective is to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry by giving students practical opportunities to apply their knowledge and develop employable skills.
“We want education to go beyond certificates. Learners should leave school with skills that can help them earn a living, create jobs, and contribute positively to society,” she stated.
Mrs. Baafi highlighted apprenticeship and industry attachment opportunities being offered to students in fields such as fashion design, catering, visual arts, and other technical disciplines, enabling them to gain hands-on experience from industry professionals.
She further indicated that the Musical Fiesta forms part of efforts to discover and nurture artistic talents among students while building confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.
The event is expected to bring together students from various senior high schools across the Ashanti Region to showcase their musical abilities and creative talents.
Mrs. Baafi revealed that the main Musical Fiesta will take place on July 15, 2026, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
She encouraged parents, teachers, and the general public to support the initiative, stressing that talent development is a critical component of national growth and youth empowerment.
“The future belongs not only to those with academic certificates but also to those with practical skills, creativity, and innovation. We must create opportunities for every child to discover and develop their potential,” she said.
The High Schools Musical Fiesta is expected to serve as a platform for celebrating creativity, promoting cultural expression, and advancing the vision of a more inclusive and holistic education system in Ghana.
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