The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Debate Society has won an unprecedented six out of nine national competitions, four African competitions and a finalist at the world stage.

A casual glance at the conference table of the KNUST council chamber, one might be tempted to think, medals and trophies manufacturers have paid a courtesy call on the university management.

No, they're earned. Some few years in debate sorties, the KNUST Debate Society trophy vault is struggling to catch a breath.

It was the three medals in front of debater Kelvin Damptey which first caught my attention. The bronze-looking five-sided metal held by pink pearl neck ribbon were secured when he and national champion Kojo Acheampong thrusted KNUST to the finals in Vietnam at the 2024 World Universities Debate Championship (WUDC), securing the second place. Kelvin Damptey went on to receive the Sadiq Ayinde Finals Best speaker.

Founded in 2012, the KNUST Debate Society has established itself as a force majeure in the debating arena. With over 100 members, it has a track record spanning the Ghana Universities Debate Championship (GUDC), Pan-African Universities Debate Championship (PAUDC), and World Universities Debate Competition (WUDC).

At GUDC 2023, hosted at KNUST, Kojo Opoku Acheampong and Furgurson Awuni, secured KNUST's sixth championship title. Master Acheampong went on to clinch the tournament's best debater.

Again, at PAUDC 2023 In Togo, Umuhairu Alhassan and Prosper Michael Ametu won the fourth championship title for the university. Interestingly, that was Umuhairu’s maiden stint at the competition. She follows the heroics of Abena Achiaa Otuo who also made her mark at PAUDC 2020 with Kojo Opoku Acheampong.

During the meeting with the University management, Prosper Ametu was happy, women have been part of the KNUST Debate Society success story.

“It is emblematic of the success story at KNUST, that young women who might ordinarily shy away from voicing out their views can go on grand stages to succeed. Two women have done that in Africa and both of them are from KNUST.

“It’s important to note that this society, we’ve been changing stereotypes and pushing boundaries,” he stressed.   

The Society patron, Prof. Kofi Owusu-Daaku was grateful to the University management and KNUST Sports Directorate for their innumerous support.

The Vice-chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson was excited about the feet and encouraged them to go for more laurels.

“Management and entire university community are thrilled beyond measure. We can’t put a premium on what you’ve done.

“You’re just cut out for excellence and you keep making us proud,” she said.

Having conquered Africa and now trebucheted to the world stage, it seems their catapult isn't tired of finishing arcs. Soon, all strong world debating champions will come crashing down from the force of this fiery projectile.