Sekondi-takoradi: The Western Regional Centre for National Culture (CNC) has organised a drama and cultural competition for Senior High School (SHS) students within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event, known as 'Students' Drama Festival (STUDRAFEST 2026)', was conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES). It featured participation from eight schools, including Adeimbra, Fijai, St John's School, Methodist, Diabene, Bompeh, Archbishop Porter Girls, and Ahantaman Girls Senior High Schools.
STUDRAFEST is a student-led initiative aimed at fostering creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking skills among young individuals. The winning school will have the honor of representing the Western Region at the National Students' Drama Festival Finals in Accra, scheduled for October 29th and 30th, 2026. Mr. Kasim Mireku, Acting Western Regional Director of CNC, shared that the festival allowed students to perform original plays that reflect contemporary realities, celebrate Ghanaian values, and highlight the country's rich cultural heritage.
Mr. Mireku emphasized that the themes explored in the performances included drug abuse among the youth, unity and diversity, the influence of new media, modern-day parenting, cultural education, mental health, and climate change. He noted that STUDRAFEST serves as a platform for students to express themselves and tell Ghanaian stories, aiming to inspire positive change through performing arts.
'Today, we celebrate more than a drama competition. We celebrate the creativity, talent, and cultural identity of Ghana through the perspective of our young people,' Mr. Mireku added. He expressed that the drama festival presents an opportunity to preserve Ghana's traditions, promote national values, and encourage dialogue on issues affecting communities.
At the conclusion of the competition, Ahantaman Girls' SHS emerged victorious and was awarded a trophy, a product from Yebitom Foods-one of the event sponsors-and medals for all 25 cast and crew members. Fijai SHS secured second place, with silver medals for its 25 participants, while St. John's School claimed third place, earning bronze medals for its team members.