The Skrive Foundation has called for a stronger integration of practical skills into Ghana's education system. This call was made at the 2026 Skrive Foundation Open Essay Competition awards ceremony. The competition's theme was "Should education in Ghana focus more on practical application than theoretical knowledge?" Students submitted essays arguing that classroom knowledge should translate into real-world skills and problem-solving.
Guest speaker Emmanuel Nikoi emphasized that Ghana needs an education system enabling students to understand concepts and apply them to real-life challenges. The essays showed that students recognize the importance of both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Nikoi stated that the issue is not about choosing theory over practicals or vice versa, but about making education meaningful and useful. He added that the country needs young people who can learn, apply knowledge, identify problems, and develop solutions.
Emmanuel Nikoi cited examples of students applying science, studying business while creating businesses, and learning technology to solve community problems. He congratulated the finalists and participants, emphasizing that valuable skills like research, writing, and expressing ideas contribute to their future development. The Secretary of Skrive, Deborah Koranteng, highlighted social perceptions surrounding vocational education and called for a system recognizing both vocational and academic pathways.
Deborah Koranteng stated that both vocational skills and theory are valuable. The competition aimed to encourage young people to think about education beyond examinations and certificates. Koranteng revealed that 372 essays were received from 14 of Ghana's 16 regions, with participants aged 14 to 30. The essays were reviewed anonymously by an independent panel of judges and assessed using four criteria: insightful argumentation, writing and organization, use of evidence and examples, and creativity and originality.
The competition was part of Skrive's broader program promoting literacy and creativity among young Ghanaians. Skrive Foundation currently focuses on reading, writing, and the arts, with plans to expand into sewing, fashion, culinary, and grooming. At the awards ceremony, finalists received certificates of participation. The winner, Houd Fadilla Lillian, received a GH¢5,000 cash prize, a MacBook, and stationery.
The first runner-up, Christiana Boamah Donkor, received GH¢3,000 and stationery, while the second runner-up, Lois Saneka Kombat, received GH¢2,000 and stationery. Skrive Foundation plans to launch Skrive Designs in 2027, focusing on sewing, fashion, design, and textile art. Details of the project will be published on the organization's website by December 2026.
Skrive Foundation is a non-governmental organization promoting arts and literacy among young people. The organization aims to equip young Ghanaians with practical skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen careers. By promoting literacy, creativity, and practical skills, Skrive Foundation seeks to contribute to Ghana's development and growth.
Key points
- Skrive Foundation calls for stronger integration of practical skills into Ghana's education system
- 372 essays were received from 14 regions, with participants aged 14 to 30
- Skrive Foundation plans to launch Skrive Designs in 2027, focusing on sewing, fashion, design, and textile art
