It has been a thrilling display of wits and strength in arguing thoughts in Round 16 of the ongoing Luv FM High School Debate in Kumasi.

The eight qualifying schools to the quarterfinal stage are poised to push forward their prowess in debating ideas as the competition among senior high schools in the Ashanti region gets keener.

Maiden edition winners, T. I. Ahmadiyya SHS, Kumasi, were beaten by Kumasi High School in the first contest of the Round of 16 after a close battle.

The second contest was between former semi-finalists Adventist SHS and PRESEC, Bompata, where PRESEC claimed a win.

The ladies in blue from Yaa Asantewaa Girls SHS triumphed over Our Lady of Grace SHS, who were zonal champions of the competition.

Defending champions, St. Monica’s Girls SHS managed a narrow win over SIMMS SHS, who put up fierce opposition.

The second half of the Round of 16 kicked off with KNUST SHS beating Tepa SHS, while Prempeh College skimmed past Ghana Muslims Missions.

The Abrempong of Osei Tutu SHS won their contest against Fomena AMASS to book their place in the quarterfinals.

The last contest was between rivals but neighbours, Opoku Ware School and St. Hubert’s Seminary and SHS, where OWASS eliminated their brothers convincingly.

Some of the motions contested included; “Teachers should be allowed to discipline recalcitrant students”, “Betting game has more positives than negatives”, “Licensure exams are not necessary for teachers”, and “Monetisation of our elections is not a big deal.”

After each contest, the best debater of the day is awarded, encouraging others to give their best on the debating stage.

Project Coordinator, Eric Nkoom indicated, “the contest has been exceptional so far, and we hope the quarterfinals is even a bigger moment of excellence from the students.”

The Luv FM High School Debate is organised by Luv FM in collaboration with Ghana Education Service, the Conference of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), Ashanti Regional SRC and the Ashanti Regional Writers’ and Debaters’ Society.

The quarterfinals stage kicks off on July 1, 2022, and it will be live on radio and Facebook at Luv 99.5, as well as on Joy Learning and Joy Prime channels on MultiTV.