Source: newsthemegh.com/Accra Metropolitan Assembly
In a bid to foster critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation skills among young students, a Junior High School Debate Championship has been officially launched in Accra.
The initiative, which was under the auspices of the Accra World Book Capital, and organized in collaboration with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Ghana Education Service, and UNESCO, sought to commit 16 junior high school participants to structured debates on a variety of topics ranging from social issues, and climate change to global affairs among others.
With an emphasis on research, logical reasoning, and persuasive communication, the competition which will commence from the 14 March 2024, promises to provide participants with a platform to showcase their intellectual prowess and eloquence.
Mayor of Accra and Chairperson of the event, Hon Elizabeth Sackey, said the launch of the Junior High School Debate Championship echoes the city’s responsibility to promote excellence in education and empower young minds to become responsible citizens in society.
“Education has always been the cornerstone of our city and country’s progress, and this event reflects our commitment to fostering intellectual growth and critical thinking among our youth… Accra’s designation as the World Book Capital is not just an accolade; it is a responsibility to cultivate a love for reading and learning, “she said.
She said the launch of the Junior High School Debate was also a testament to Accra World Book Capital’s commitment to cultivating young minds, allowing them to express their thoughts, challenge ideas, and develop the skills necessary for a bright future stressing that the event was not just a competition but a valuable educational tool to cultivate critical thinkers and communicators and encourage young students to embrace diversity.
“This competition is not merely a contest of words; it is a celebration of knowledge, creativity, and the power of ideas. Through this debate, we encourage our students to embrace diversity and explore the richness of the written word,” she said.
She urged all stakeholders to embrace the opportunity to celebrate the joy of learning, the power of literacy, and the boundless potential within each student and was hopeful the new Junior High School Debate would become ” a beacon of inspiration, igniting the flames of curiosity and knowledge in the hearts and minds of our youth.”
The H.E. Abdourahamane Diallo, UNESCO representative to Ghana, in a speech read on his behalf by, Mrs Melody Boateng, congratulated the AMA for hosting the competition noting it would help improve literacy among young people, provide an opportunity for students to test their critical thinking skills and knowledge as well as incentive them to read well.
She used the opportunity to advise the students to sharpen their wit, cultivate critical thinking skills, elevate their perspective, listen attentively, articulate their thoughts with clarity as well as debate as team players and allow unity and solidarity to be their driving force to success.
The Greater Accra Regional Director of Education Sebastian Adama said that the city of Accra was privileged to be declared as the 2023 World Book Capital, recognizing the city’s significant role in the acquisition of knowledge through reading.
Through the Draw Lots selection process, a draw was conducted with each school’s name written on a piece of paper and placed in a container. Representatives from the various competing schools drew lots to determine the group allocation to ensure a level playing field. The groups are as follows;
GROUP 1
Bishop Girls vs St Joseph Anglican Basic
Richard Acquah Memorial Bas. Sch. vs Kaneshie Awudome 1 JHS
Independence Avenue 2 Basic school vs Ayalolo 1&2 jhs
Dr.HNS Bannerman Basic v St George’s Anglican Basic
GROUP 2
MOH Basic School vs Mamprobi Soko Basic
Kaneshie Bishop 1&2 basic vs Kaneshie Awudome 3 JHS
John Wesley metho. Basic vs St. Mary’s RC Girls Basic
Matrys of Uganda RC basic vs Akoto Lante basic
With each school assigned a rival to face in the upcoming debates, students were admonished to refine their arguments, conduct thorough research, and hone their communication skills in preparation for the debate.
With each school assigned a rival to face in the upcoming debates, students were admonished to refine their arguments, conduct thorough research, and hone their communication skills in preparation for the debate.