By Michael Pepsin Avorgah
Somé (V/R), April 2, GNA — The Ketu South Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has hinted at plans to renew and strengthen its partnership with the National Theatre of Ghana to improve academic performance through creative arts-based learning in schools across the municipality.
The Directorate said the move builds on previous collaborations with the Theatre, where stage performances were used to support the teaching of literature, particularly at the basic school level, with a positive impact on learners’ understanding.
Rev. Charles Elikplim Dorkenoo, Public Relations Officer of the Directorate, disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of the World Theatre Day commemoration held earlier at Somé Senior High School.
He said the proposed partnership would focus on integrating theatre, music, and dance into classroom learning to enhance students’ comprehension and retention of academic content.
Rev. Dorkenoo described the World Theatre Day celebration as not only a platform for cultural expression but also a strategic academic intervention, particularly for final-year students preparing for external examinations.
He noted that the staging of literary works provides students with a practical and engaging approach to learning, especially in English Literature ahead of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
According to him, the Directorate is considering extending such performances to basic schools to support candidates preparing for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Rev. Dorkenoo explained that the use of creative arts in education offers learners a more interactive and effective learning experience, enhancing comprehension and long-term memory.
“If you read, you can easily forget. But if you watch a drama or do something yourself, you hardly forget,” he said.
He added that theatre has the ability to bring literature to life, making it more relatable, memorable, and impactful for students.
Rev. Dorkenoo reiterated that the Directorate’s intention to collaborate again with the National Theatre forms part of broader efforts to improve academic outcomes and introduce diverse teaching approaches within the municipality.
He reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to promoting innovative and inclusive education and urged stakeholders to embrace creativity as a pathway to effective teaching and learning.
The World Theatre Day event, organised by the National Theatre of Ghana, brought together students from various senior high schools in the municipality and featured stage performances aimed at enhancing both learning and cultural appreciation.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu