The 2nd CNC Ebo Whyte Student Drama Competition was successfully held with the aim of encouraging artistic expression, enhancing communication skills, and promoting literary appreciation among students. Named after Ghana’s celebrated playwright, Uncle Ebo Whyte, the competition highlighted the power of drama as an educational tool while nurturing the creativity of young talents. It also reaffirmed theatre’s broader role in social commentary, moral reflection, and cultural preservation.
Objectives of the Competition
The event was designed to:
- Cultivate student interest in drama and the performing arts.
- Provide a platform for creative and confident self-expression.
- Promote teamwork, discipline, and problem-solving through stage performance.
- Address pressing social and moral issues through drama.
- Celebrate Ghanaian oral traditions and storytelling.
Participation and Organization
The competition brought together schools from across the region, including both Senior High Schools and tertiary institutions. Each school was tasked with staging a short performance, either adapted from Ebo Whyte’s plays or inspired by his recurring themes of family, love, morality, resilience, and social responsibility.
A dedicated planning committee comprising teachers, drama instructors, and literary enthusiasts coordinated the event, which was staged before a distinguished panel of judges made up of theatre professionals, lecturers, and cultural advocates.
Highlights of the Competition
- Opening Ceremony: The event began with a keynote address on the importance of drama in education, followed by a vibrant cultural dance.
- Performances: Each school staged a 15–20-minute play addressing themes such as corruption, peer pressure, gender equality, perseverance, and conflict.
- Stagecraft and Creativity: Students impressed with innovative use of costumes, props, and directing despite resource limitations.
- Judging: Entries were assessed based on originality, acting, stage management, creativity, and audience engagement.
- Audience Response: Students, teachers, parents, and guests enthusiastically applauded moving performances and comedic highlights.
Outcomes and Achievements
The competition achieved remarkable success in several areas:
- Talent Discovery: Exceptional talent in acting, scriptwriting, and directing was uncovered, with many students expressing interest in theatre careers.
- Skill Development: Participants gained confidence in public speaking, teamwork, and time management.
- Social Education: Plays provided a mirror for society, sparking conversations on ethics and values.
- Community Building: The event fostered unity among schools, teachers, and the wider community.
- Awards: Winners received trophies, books, certificates, and mentorship opportunities with seasoned theatre practitioners.
Challenges Identified
Despite the success, a few challenges emerged:
- Limited funding for costumes, props, and logistics.
- Inadequate rehearsal spaces in some schools.
- Time constraints that restricted the depth of performances.
- Limited publicity, which reduced audience size and support.
Conclusion and Way Forward
The 2nd CNC Ebo Whyte Student Drama Competition proved to be a resounding success, reinforcing the power of theatre in shaping intellect, creativity, and moral consciousness. The event demonstrated that when students are given a platform to express themselves artistically, they not only entertain but also enlighten their communities.
To ensure the growth and sustainability of the competition, the following recommendations were made:
- Seek sponsorship from corporate bodies, government agencies, and cultural organizations.
- Organize training workshops on acting, directing, and stage management ahead of future competitions.
- Expand participation to include more schools nationwide.
- Enhance publicity through radio, television, and social media platforms.
- Institutionalize the competition as an annual national event.
The success of this year’s competition stands as a testament to the transformative power of drama in education and the development of Ghana’s young creative talents.



