Accra: The Ghana TVET Service, in collaboration with Theatrical Harmony Production, has launched the Thespians TVET Drama Competition 2026 to unearth and nurture budding talents among students in technical and vocational institutions.
According to Ghana News Agency, the promotion of drama within the technical and vocational education system began years ago, under the erstwhile National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI), and has since been sustained by the Ghana TVET Service. This year's competition is on the theme: 'Culture and Arts Education for Lasting Peace.' It is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 26, at the Presbyterian Boys Senior High School (PRESEC) Legon, Accra.
Mr Eric K. Tetteh, National Coordinator for Physical Education and Sports, Ghana TVET Service, emphasized the Service's training approach, which focuses on developing the head, heart, and hands of learners. He highlighted talent discovery and development as a core mandate of the Service. During his welcome address at the launch, he announced that the competition would involve 10 schools from four regions, providing participants the opportunity to showcase their talents while competing for prizes.
The participating schools include Biriwa Technical Institute from the Central Region, Comboni Technical Institute from the Volta Region, St. Paul's Technical School from the Eastern Region, along with New Century Technical Institute, Madina Technical Institute, and Tema Mission Technical Institute. Additionally, Opportunity Industrialisation Technical Institute, Afienya Technical Institute, Teshie Technical Institute, and Accra Technical Training Centre from the Greater Accra Region will also participate.
Madam Emelia Affi Agbenyo, Deputy Director-General in charge of Operations, Ghana TVET Service, delivered a keynote address underscoring the role of drama as a reflection of life, contributing to personal growth and development. She stated that the creative arts, including drama, serve as a platform for development and employment creation by engaging a range of professionals such as woodworkers, costumiers, and property masters. Madam Agbenyo emphasized the importance of the creative space in building a workforce for learners, urging headmasters, instructors, and school leaders to foster interconnectedness for young people.
She further described the creative arts sector as an effective vehicle for advocacy, citing past instances where drama was used to educate the public on issues like HIV prevention, discipline, and voter sensitisation. She affirmed that the stage remains a powerful tool for changing perceptions and promoting skills development.
Nana Kwaku Obeng, Chief Operating Officer of Theatrical Harmony Production, mentioned that all participating schools are required to develop their plays based on the competition theme, with each school allotted 45 minutes for its performance. Each institution is expected to present a cast and crew of 25 members and bring along its own audience.
Awards will be given to the winner, first and second runners-up, as well as in categories such as Best Actor/Actress, Best Supporting Actor/Actress, Best Script, Best Costume, Best Set Design, and Best Director among others. Mr Percy Obrempong Agyapong, President of the Ghana Comedian Network, encouraged participating schools to showcase their craftsmanship and demonstrate the contribution of TVET education to national development, stressing that TVET learners are problem-solvers and innovators.