UNIVERSITY OF GHANA CROWNED NATIONAL DEBATE CHAMPIONS
The University of Ghana (UG) Debate Society has been crowned champions of the 2021 Ghana Universities Debate Championship hosted by the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani. The Championship, which came off from 28th October to 3rd November, 2021 saw a strong resurgence from UG to clinch its second trophy in the Debate Category since 2014.
The 7th edition of the Ghana Universities Debate Championship (GUDC) themed “Creating Avenue for Youth Participation in Advocacy and Policy Making” and dubbed “Asono” (elephants) had eight Universities participating. These were University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science of Technology, University of Cape Coast, University for Development Studies, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, University of Health and Allied Sciences and Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies.
Performance of Team UG
UG went into the 7th GUDC with the focus of ending a six-year wait and clinch its second national debate championship after winning the 1st edition on home soil in 2014. Messrs Elisha Owusu Akyaw a level 200 student reading Political Science and Philosophy and Classics and Abdul Karim Ibrahim an MPhil Student reading African Studies with team name Afafanto (Butterfly) were the university’s hope and glory in the finals competing against three other teams from fierce rivals KNUST. Elisha Owusu Akyaw who is also the President of the UG Debate Society expressed his joy and a dream come true.
“Winning GUDC feels great, especially since this is the University’s first time after six years. Personally, it is a dream come true after my initial attempt at the 2019 PAUDC. It is amazing to see how much the team has evolved. I hope that this win provides enough momentum to propel the University of Ghana Debate Society to more significant victories in the future.”
Elisha and Karim were also adjudged the Best Top Speakers for the Championship.
UG Coach Applauds Tenacity of His Team
UG Debate Team Coach and former Alumnus of the University, Mr. Lawrence Nii Kotey Neequaye remarked on the competitive nature of 2021 GUDC and the tough contest the other universities gave his team. He hailed Elisha and Karim for how resolute they were throughout the Championship and the leadership they showed their teammates.
“The team which brought universities debate back home to where it all began is definitely an interesting pair, Karim with years of experience beneath his belt showed why he has remained one of the best in the sport over the last few years. Elisha, as President of the Society has also brought the essence of good leadership to his fellow teammates. I am proud of the feat, and excited about what we can achieve in the coming months.”
Consistency has been key
The Director of Sports at UG and Patron of the Ghana Universities Debate Association (GUDA), Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu described the victory as a result of patient investment in the Debate Society over the years, the consistency and focus in strategizing our work and activities.
“This is as a result of teamwork, silent and patient investment. We have been consistent in all the things we have undertaken. The professionalism, maturity, focus and direction with which we have approached these exercises show in the results and this is clearly one of them. We are very grateful, elated and proud of ourselves and our students.”
The University community is proud of you.