EducationFeature

From classroom to runway: How KETASCO Students are redefining creativity

On an ordinary Tuesday afternoon in Keta, the courtyard of Keta Senior High Technical School (KETASCO) turned into something far from ordinary. A ripple of excitement swept through the crowd as a young student stepped forward in what seemed like a simple dress. Within seconds, she lifted a colourful hoop ring above her head, and almost magically, the fabric around her bloomed into a grand ball gown. The crowd erupted. Phones went up, cameras flashed, and within hours, her performance had made its way to social media, where admiration and praise poured in.

That dazzling performance was the handiwork of Celina Sa-Wemegah Sefenya, a 19-year-old final-year student of the Home Economics department of Great KETASCO. Her project for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Clothing and Textile practical was no ordinary assignment. It was a living, moving testament to creativity, innovation, and a future that promises to shine far beyond the walls of KETASCO.

“I wanted to design something that would surprise people. “Fashion, for me, is about telling stories with fabric, about transformation,” Celina said with a smile after her presentation.

Her project quickly went viral online, with many praising her ingenuity. One Facebook user wrote, “This is pure art these are the kinds of talents our schools must nurture.” Another Facebook comment read, “Dzolali has birthed a star.”

But Celina’s brilliance is just the tip of the iceberg. According to Madam Jennifer Elikem Dogbey, Clothing and Textile teacher, the entire class of 49 students displayed extraordinary creativity.

“I have watched and mentored these students grow. They are disciplined, intelligent, and highly imaginative. Celina’s gown has received a lot of attention, but truly, every student has shown that they can take what they’ve learned and turn it into something remarkable,” she said proudly.

For Celina, growing up in the Urban towns of Anloland, particularly the Keta-Tegbi areas, has always shaped her sense of style. Surrounded by vibrant colours, traditional patterns, and the rhythms of coastal life, she dreamed of creating clothes that captured both heritage and modern elegance.

“When I walk through town, I see stories in fabrics, cloths hanging in markets, old styles my grandmother wore, and the bright colours of festivals. They all inspire me,” Cecilia shared.

Keta Senior High School itself has long been a hub of talent. Known nationally for its successes in the National Science and Maths Quiz Competition, Debates, sports and Games, and cultural festivals, the school is also quietly building a reputation for nurturing creativity. With almost 3,000 students across diverse programs, including General Arts, General Science, Technical Skill, Home Economics Education, Visual Arts, Agricultural Science, and Business, its environment fosters both academic achievement and hands-on innovation.

The viral gown is therefore more than just a dress. It represents a larger truth: Ghana’s classrooms are full of untapped talent waiting for the right platform.

“When we see things like this, it reminds us why technical and vocational education matters. Our students can compete anywhere in the world if we continue to support them. Madam Dogbey reflected

Crafted from a blue and pink satin cloth, Cecilia’s creative gown earned a standing ovation from staff and examiners, while the thunderous applause of the entire student body echoed beyond the campus and into the Dzelukope community.

As for Celina, the journey is only beginning. She dreams of building her own fashion brand, one that will combine African tradition with bold modern ideas. “This is just the start,” she said, her eyes lit with excitement. “One day, I want to walk into a fashion week abroad and see my designs on the runway.”

This combination of excellence across disciplines is no accident. With more than 2,800 students and over 200 staff, Ketasco deliberately creates an environment that nurtures both mind and talent. Students are encouraged not only to study but also to explore, experiment, and express themselves through whatever medium speaks to them—be it equations, basketballs, fabric, or drums.

Cecilia’s performance has already stirred the interest of philanthropists, corporate firms, and media personalities, many of whom are offering to sponsor her fashion education with fully funded scholarships.

Yet her story must not remain an isolated spark. It is a clarion call for government, private individuals, and industry leaders to go further by creating an enabling environment for thousands of hidden talents across the country. Government, in particular, must roll out bold policies to strengthen technical and vocational programmes at both second-cycle and tertiary institutions. Only then can we unearth, nurture, and polish more Cecilias, building not just stars of tomorrow, but a skilled and empowered nation.

Credit: Benard Rhussia

Benard Rhussia

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