The winners pose for the camera

 The Kwabenya Senior High School (SHS) in Accra emerged winners of the Centre for National Cul­ture (CNC)-Uncle Ebo Whyte Student’s Drama Competition at a grand finale held at the National Theatre in Accra.

For their prize, they received a tro­phy, laptop, a certificate and a cash prize of GH¢3,000.00.

St. John’s Grammar School emerged first runner-up to receive a trophy, laptop, a certificate and a cash prize of GH¢ 2,000.00.

Emerging third was Osu Presby­terian Senior High School, who also received a trophy, laptop and a cash prize of GH¢1,000.00.

It was organised by the CNC in col­laboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES).

The theme for the competition was ‘Staging Our Heritage: Showcasing Traditional Ghanaian Stories and Leg­ends through Theatre.’

The CNC-Uncle Ebo Whyte Students Drama Competition, the first ever, was held for Senior High Schools across the country who were grouped into five zones.

Contesting as finalists were the five schools who emerged winners in the five zones of the competition with a sixth school, Accra Academy as the guest performing school.

In an address, the Acting Director for the CNC, Mr Eric Ohene-Larbi commended the participating schools for their tireless efforts towards achieving the ultimate.

He said it was critical stakeholders bring Ghanaian stories to life on stage and embrace the opportunity to stage our heritage and share the beauty of Ghanaian culture with the world.

He commended Roverman Pro­duction for the sponsorship of the event which has been the backbone of the programme, adding that it is an investment in the future of arts, culture and education in the country.

He expressed the hope that, under the direction and expertise of Uncle Ebo Whyte, the Playwright, the event would grow to become a national event.

In a speech, the Dean of the School of Performing Arts, Professor Awo Asiedu, indicated that performing arts engenders creativity, builds confidence and public speaking skills among actors.

She said performing arts helps actors build critical thinking which is needed throughout life.

Researchers and experts, she mentioned, have said one of the skills that young people would need in this 21st century was creativity.

According to her, culture was dynamic and there was the need for society to keep up with the 21st century.

She disclosed that the GES would soon incorporate Performing Arts in the SHS curriculum which would be made examinable come next year.

She stated “this was appropriate not only because it would give the students a fair idea of the performing arts when they get to the university but also because the arts and have a way of building aspects of life skills needed in everyday life.”

The Deputy Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture, Dr Fio Richardson Commey, applaud­ed teachers from the participating schools for their dedication and tire­less efforts towards this cause.

 By Spectator Reporter