Deputy Minister for Education Dr Clement Abas Apaak has called for greater use of music and Ghanaian cultural activities in schools, arguing that they can strengthen teaching and learning while deepening young people’s connection to their cultural identity.
He made the appeal in an address delivered on behalf of Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu at the inauguration of the Advisory and Oversight Committee and the Technical Committee for the Extra Choir 2026 National Senior High School Choral and Cultural Festival.
Apaak urged the committees to promote research-based presentations, respect cultural values and collaborate with relevant institutions to ensure the initiative supports foundational learning.
“Research and respect for cultural values must guide the presentation of Ghanaian traditions.”
Deputy Minister for Education Dr Clement Abas Apaak
Apaak emphasised the educational value of extracurricular activities, including music and cultural performances, describing them as opportunities to make learning more practical and meaningful.
He highlighted their potential to help students develop creativity and confidence while gaining a stronger understanding of their cultural heritage. His address places cultural activities alongside classroom instruction as a way of enriching students’ educational experiences.
Extra Choir Committees Must Respect Ghanaian Cultural Values
The emphasis is on using activities already familiar to students as part of a broader learning experience. Rather than limiting music and cultural performances to occasional displays, the appeal recognises their potential to contribute to how learners understand ideas, express themselves and relate lessons to their surroundings.
“Music and cultural performances can enrich learning while building students’ confidence and creativity”
Deputy Minister for Education Dr Clement Abas Apaak
Music, stories and cultural performances provide avenues for students to encounter elements of their heritage and understand their significance.
Apaak urged members of the Advisory and Oversight Committee and the Technical Committee to ensure that the presentation of Ghanaian traditions reflects proper research and respect for cultural values.
He stressed the importance of accuracy when presenting the country’s languages, stories, traditions and music. Such representations, he indicated, should be informed by a sound understanding of the cultural practices being showcased.
The Deputy Minister’s emphasis on research places accuracy at the heart of the festival’s cultural presentation, while respect for cultural values provides an important guide for how those traditions are shared with students and audiences.
By encouraging students to engage with Ghanaian cultural expressions, the initiative can create opportunities for learning beyond conventional classroom activities.
Institutional Collaboration Needed to Support Festival
The Deputy Minister called on the committees to work closely with institutions whose mandates relate to education, curriculum development, culture and technical and vocational training.
He identified the Ghana Education Service, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), the National Commission on Culture, the Ghana TVET Service and UNESCO among the bodies that should be involved, alongside other relevant institutions.
Engagement with these bodies would help connect its cultural activities with the wider education system and ensure that the initiative advances its objectives. Their cooperation is expected to support the careful planning and delivery of the programme.
The committees are expected to draw on relevant institutional knowledge as they carry out their responsibilities.
Transparency and Accountability Central to Implementation
Apaak further urged the committees to uphold transparency and accountability and ensure the responsible use of resources in executing their duties.
Apaak’s appeal makes clear that the promotion of culture and the improvement of learning must be matched by responsible administration throughout the initiative.
“The initiative should promote Ghanaian culture while supporting improvements in foundational learning.”
Deputy Minister for Education Dr Clement Abas Apaak
He expressed confidence that Extra Choir 2026 would help promote Ghanaian culture and support efforts to improve foundational learning.
For the committees, the task will be to translate those objectives into responsible implementation through research, institutional cooperation and effective oversight. Their work will be important to ensuring that the festival reflects Ghanaian cultural values and contributes to the educational goals outlined by the Ministry.
Its cultural focus remains clear giving students opportunities to appreciate Ghanaian heritage while making learning more engaging and meaningful.
The committees’ work will determine how these priorities are reflected in the festival’s planning, presentations and use of resources and its wider educational impact.
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