The festival was held under the theme: “The falling Standards of Education in the Cape Coast Metropolis; the Stakeholders’ Responsibilities”.

The colorful ceremony was attended by government officials, political, traditional and religious leaders   and thousands of revelers.

The metropolis has some of the best senior highest schools in the country such as Mfantsipim School, Wesley Girls’ High School, St. Augustine’s College, Adisadel College, Holy Child College but the inability of local pupils to qualify for admission into such institutions had been a great source of concern.

President Mahama said whereas the percentage of candidates nationwide increased by 5.46 per cent for the 2014/2015 academic year, the percentage of qualified candidates in Cape Coast, dropped from 31.3 per cent in 2013/2014 to 29.92 percent in 2014/2015.

He said averagely for 2014/2015, there was an increase in the number of qualified candidates by 5.46 percent nationwide but in Cape Coast there was a decrease of 4.45, meaning while the nationwide average was rising, that of Cape Coast had dropped marginally.

“While this may appear to be temporary slip, we should not take it for granted and must do everything possible and in our power to arrest this negative trend”, he said charging all stakeholders in the area to collaborate to help improve the situation.