Clement Apaak pushes music, culture in SHS education

Deputy Education Minister Dr Clement Abas Apaak has called for greater integration of music and Ghanaian cultural activities into Senior High School (SHS) education, arguing that they can make learning more practical while strengthening students' appreciation of their cultural heritage.

He said music, choral performances and other extracurricular activities should be treated as important parts of education because they help students develop creativity, confidence and a deeper understanding of Ghanaian traditions.

Dr Apaak made the call 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. He delivered the address on behalf of the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu.

He urged the newly inaugurated committees to ensure that Ghanaian music, languages, stories and cultural traditions are presented accurately and respectfully, stressing the importance of research and a proper understanding of the country's cultural values.

He also encouraged the committees to collaborate with key educational and cultural institutions, including the Ghana Education Service (GES), the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), the National Commission on Culture, the Ghana TVET Service and UNESCO.

According to him, such partnerships would help ensure that the festival goes beyond entertainment and contributes meaningfully to education and cultural development.

Dr Apaak further charged the committees to uphold transparency, accountability and responsible resource management as they carry out their respective responsibilities.

He expressed confidence that the Extra Choir 2026 initiative would provide students with an opportunity to connect with Ghana's cultural identity while supporting broader efforts to improve foundational learning.

The festival is expected to bring music and cultural expression into the educational experience of senior high school students, using creative activities to complement classroom instruction.

EA