Music and culture key to developing well-rounded SHS students – Dr. Apaak

The Ministry of Education is seeking to use music, cultural expression and creative activities to strengthen holistic education in Senior High Schools (SHSs), with Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Abas Apaak describing the EXTRA CHORAL National SHS Choral and Cultural Festival as an important platform for developing students beyond academic instruction.

The initiative is expected to provide students with opportunities to develop their artistic abilities, build confidence, promote teamwork and deepen their appreciation of Ghanaian culture.

Speaking at the inauguration of the festival’s Advisory/Oversight Committee and Technical Committee on Monday, November 9, 2026, Dr. Apaak said education must go beyond classroom teaching to help learners discover their talents and develop the competencies needed to become responsible and well-rounded citizens.

“As a Ministry, we recognise that education goes beyond academic instruction. It must also provide opportunities for learners to discover their talents, develop their creative abilities and acquire the values and competencies necessary to become responsible and well-rounded citizens. Initiatives such as the EXTRA CHORAL Festival therefore complement our broader commitment to holistic education,” he said.

Dr. Apaak described the inauguration of the two committees as an important step towards establishing the institutional structures required to organise and deliver the programme.

He said EXTRA CHORAL brings together education, culture, creativity and practical learning, making it consistent with the Ministry’s broader educational priorities.

According to him, the festival should not be viewed merely as an entertainment programme or an annual competition but as a platform for students to demonstrate essential learning competencies.

“Through music, ensemble work, composition, text setting and performance, it gives learners a practical platform to show creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking,” he stated.

Dr. Apaak also highlighted the connection between the festival and Ghana’s Standards-Based Music Curriculum, citing the work of Professor Emmanuel Obed Acquah, Dean of the School of Creative Arts at the University of Education, Winneba, and Lead Consultant for the 2024 NaCCA Music Curriculum.

The programme has received approval from the Ministry of Education, while the Ghana Education Service continues to engage with HARRYLIND CONSULT.

Beyond promoting artistic expression, the festival is expected to draw on Ghanaian languages, stories, music and cultural knowledge to strengthen students’ connection to their heritage.

Dr. Apaak urged the committees to ensure that the use of cultural materials reflects accuracy, inclusiveness, safeguarding and respect for cultural ownership.

The seven-year EXTRA CHORAL framework covers teacher training, learning materials, musical instruments, regional and national activities, curriculum integration, and monitoring and evaluation.

He called on the committees to work closely with the Ghana Education Service, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), the National Commission on Culture, the Ghana TVET Service, HARRYLIND CONSULT and other relevant educational and cultural institutions.

The Advisory/Oversight Committee is expected to provide strategic direction, institutional guidance and accountability, while the Technical Committee will develop practical tools for teachers to use in classrooms and rehearsals.

Dr. Apaak charged both committees to prioritise quality, inclusion, measurable outcomes and the responsible use of resources to ensure the programme delivers meaningful educational benefits.

He also formally declared the two committees inaugurated, expressing the Ministry’s expectation that the festival would contribute to students’ development beyond performances on the national stage.