REPORT ON KWAEBIBIREM CIRCUIT-LEVEL BASIC SCHOOLS FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND CULTURE, 2025

THEME: “Culture; A Tool for Consolidating Ghana’s Democratic Gains”

INTRODUCTION

The Kwaebibirem Circuit-Level Basic Schools Festival of Arts and Culture took place from June 27 to July 11, 2025, across various circuit centers. The festival aimed to promote cultural heritage and creativity among students through diverse artistic disciplines. This report outlines the activities, adjudicators, challenges faced, and recommendations for future festivals.

OBJECTIVES

1. Promote Cultural Awareness: To enhance understanding and appreciation of Ghanaian culture among students through various artistic disciplines.

2. Foster Talent Development: To provide a platform for students to showcase their talents in arts and culture, encouraging creativity and self-expression.

3. Encourage Participation: To involve all schools (public and private) in cultural activities, promoting inclusivity and community engagement.

4. Strengthen Community Ties: To bring together students, teachers, parents, and community leaders, fostering collaboration and support for cultural initiatives.

DISCIPLINES

The festival featured a variety of disciplines, allowing students to showcase their talents in the following areas:

1. Poetry Recitals/Performance

2. Drum Language

3. Drama

4. Dance

5. Storytelling

6. Sight Singing

7. Choral Music

8. Cook Arts

9. Sewing/Fashion

10. Still Life Drawing

11. Construction and Assemblage

ADJUDICATORS

A panel of esteemed adjudicators was assembled to evaluate performances across the different disciplines:

1. Mr. Samuel Obeng – Kwaebibirem Municipal Cultural Coordinator (Overall Coordinator)

2. Mr. Stephen A. Senyo – Denkyembour District Cultural Coordinator (Still Life Drawing, Construction and Assemblage)

3. Mr. Alex Siaw – Kade SHS/Technical Cultural Coordinator (Performing Arts)

4. Mr. John Sam – Headteacher of Abaam R/C Basic (Choral Music and Sight Singing/Reading)

5. Mr. John Tetteh Ocansey – Kade SHS/Technical Music Teacher (Choral Music and Sight Singing/Reading)

6. Madam Jennifer Obeng Asare – Headteacher of Kade M/A 1 Basic (Cook Art)

7. Madam Joyce Tachie – Kade R/C Basic (Sewing/Fashion)

8. Madam Florence Twumwaa – Adankrono A.M.E. Zion Basic (Sewing/Fashion)

9. Enoch Kobby – Kade Islamic Basic (Still Life Drawing, Construction and Assemblage)

10. Mr. Agyiri Dankwah – Kade M/A 1 Basic (Cook Arts)

CIRCUIT CENTRES AND DATES

The festival was held at various circuit centers as follows:

1. Asuom Circuit – Friday, 27th June 2025 – Asuom

2. Kade A Circuit – Thursday, 3rd July 2025 – Kade

3. Kade B Circuit – Friday, 4th July 2025 – Kade

4. Abaam Circuit – Tuesday, 8th July 2025 – Okyinso

5. Otumi Circuit – Wednesday, 9th July 2025 – Anweam

6. Atobriso Circuit – Thursday, 10th July 2025 – Atobriso No.2

7. Takyiman Circuit – Friday, 11th July 2025 – Takyiman

Each day’s activities commenced at 8:30 am.

INVITED GUESTS

The festival attracted a wide array of dignitaries who graced the various circuit centers with their presence:

Honourable Emmanuel Kofi Nti – Kwaebibirem Municipal Chief Executive

Mr. Emmanuel Asiedu Mantey – Kwaebibirem Municipal Coordinating Director

Municipal Director of Education

Chiefs and Elders

Assembly Members

Municipal Education Officers

School Improvement Support Officers (SISOs)

Headteachers and Teachers

Parents

Learners/Artists participating in the various disciplines

CHALLENGES

1. Financial Constraints: The lack of funds in the Municipal Education Cultural Account hindered adequate support for the Municipal Cultural Coordinator and adjudicators, affecting transportation and per diem allowances.

2. Low Private School Participation: Many private schools did not participate in the festival, limiting the diversity of performances and experiences.

3. Poor Transportation Infrastructure: Inadequate road conditions made it difficult for adjudicators and participants to reach circuit centers, often requiring the use of motorbikes instead of vehicles.

4. Limited Resources for Adjudicators: Some adjudicators had to cover their own expenses for feeding and other necessities due to insufficient support from the organizers.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Increase Funding: Advocate for increased budget allocation to the Municipal Education Cultural Account to ensure better support for future events, including transportation and per diem for adjudicators.

2. Engage Private Schools: Develop strategies to encourage private school participation by highlighting the benefits of involvement in cultural festivals, such as exposure and networking opportunities.

3. Improve Transportation Infrastructure: Collaborate with local authorities to address road conditions leading to circuit centers, ensuring safer and more reliable access for participants and adjudicators.

4. Resource Mobilization: Explore partnerships with local businesses and organizations to secure sponsorships or donations that can provide additional resources for the festival and support for adjudicators.

CONCLUSION

The Kwaebibirem Circuit-Level Basic Schools Festival of Arts and Culture successfully achieved its objectives of promoting cultural awareness, fostering talent development, and strengthening community ties through active participation in the arts. The involvement of dignitaries and community members highlighted the importance of cultural initiatives in consolidating Ghana’s democratic gains.