The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), with support from HUSS Petroleum and other partners, has organised a two-day school engagement programme for pupils of Anomabo Methodist, Anglican and Catholic Basic Schools to promote responsible festival participation, child safety, cultural pride and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) skills.
The programme, held on May 12 and 13, 2026, formed part of a community outreach initiative linked to research findings on the Okyir Festival of Anomabo in the Central Region.
It was designed to help pupils appreciate the cultural significance of the festival while equipping them with knowledge to avoid harmful behaviours often associated with festive periods.
Day One Focus: Safety And Responsible Festival Participation
The first day focused on sensitisation and awareness creation on responsible festival participation. The UPSA team presented findings from a community survey on the Okyir Festival, highlighting its role in promoting culture, unity, business opportunities, community identity and youth learning.
The presentation also identified negative social influences linked to festivals, including peer pressure, indiscipline, poor sanitation, substance abuse and unsafe conduct among young people.
Pupils were encouraged to demonstrate positive behaviours such as respect for elders, cultural pride, cleanliness, teamwork and responsible use of social media.
As part of the session, officers from the Ghana Police Service, specifically the Mankessim Divisional Command, educated pupils on child protection, gender-based violence, personal safety and responsible conduct during festivals.
The session was led by ASP/Rev. Hayford Alavi, Divisional Crime Officer, with support from PW/C/Inspr. Vida Collinson Coffie, under the supervision of C/Supt. Seth Eyako Kukubor and the Mfantseman Municipal Education Directorate.
The officers urged pupils to avoid risky environments, report suspicious behaviour, seek help from trusted adults and remain vigilant during public gatherings.
They also called on teachers, parents, community leaders and religious bodies to collaborate in ensuring child safety.
Day Two Focus: Practical TVET Skills Training
The second day introduced pupils to hands-on TVET activities facilitated by FRAME Educational Consult. Pupils produced items such as slippers and ribbons, demonstrating creativity, teamwork and the importance of skills training for self-confidence and future employability.
Facilitators included Professor Alexander Preko, Dr Theophilus Gyepi-Garbrah and Dr Patricia Muah, who commended the pupils for their active participation and encouraged them to serve as ambassadors of discipline, safety and responsible festival behaviour.
Support And Sponsorship
The programme was supported by school heads of the participating basic schools, alongside the Catholic priest of Anomabo Catholic School.
It was sponsored by UPSA, HUSS Petroleum, Amplio Ghana, Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, Tanink Ghana Limited, Gaso Petroleum Ltd, Affluence Global Ltd, and other partners, including several PhD students of UPSA.
The organisers expressed appreciation to facilitators, sponsors, the Ghana Police Service, teachers, pupils and community leaders, and reaffirmed commitment to sustaining similar engagements that combine cultural education, safety awareness and practical skills development.
