The 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence has ended with a strong call for safer digital spaces, as students from six senior high schools used debate and public speaking to spotlight online safety at the grand finale of Speak Up 1.0 in Accra.

The event, organised by the Ghana Education Service (GES) in partnership with Transforming Teaching, Education and Learning (T-TEL) and Speech Forces, was held on December 10, 2025, at the University of Ghana Business School under the theme “Real Voices for Digital Safety.” It brought together students who have been part of the Speech Club and Career Development Initiative piloted in selected schools.

Speaking at the event, the Language Coordinator of the Greater Accra Directorate of GES, Mrs Constance Baba Boateng, said the initiative aligns with efforts to create safe and inclusive learning environments for students.

“We want our schools to be places where every learner feels safe, respected, and encouraged to express themselves,” she said, describing Speak Up 1.0 as a practical intervention that builds confident and responsible learners.

The competition featured Accra Wesley Girls High School, Ashaiman Senior High School, Christian Methodist Senior High School, Ngleshie Amanfro Senior High School, O’Reilly Senior High School and Amasaman Senior High Technical School. After weeks of training and knockout rounds, students debated motions on digital responsibility, online abuse and accountability, linking classroom learning to real-life challenges young people face online.

Ashaiman SHS emerged winners of the debate competition, with Ngleshie Amanfro SHS placing first runner-up. In the public speaking category, Accra Wesley Girls SHS won the prepared speech segment, while Ngleshie Amanfro SHS took the top prize in impromptu speaking.

Representing T-TEL Executive Director Robin Todd, Mr Aaron Akwaboah, T-TEL’s Advisor on School Guidance and Student Support, said the students demonstrated leadership beyond their years.

“The student-led panel was the highlight of the event. They spoke with poise, confidence and strong evidence, showing that young people are ready to drive positive change,” he noted.

Also addressing the audience, T-TEL’s Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Coordinator, Ms Marjorie Tackie, urged students to take their digital wellbeing seriously and be mindful of how harmful online behaviour can affect others, especially women and girls.

Director of Programmes at Speech Forces, Mr Isaac Nyamekye Boakye, said Speak Up 1.0 is deliberately designed to nurture leadership among students who often lack access to such platforms.

“By equipping these learners with skills in public speaking, logical reasoning and teamwork, we are preparing globally conscious citizens who can contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.

Beyond the debates, the grand finale featured creative performances, media engagement and youth-led discussions, reinforcing the message that education and dialogue are critical tools in tackling gender-based violence and promoting digital safety in Ghana.

Organisers say lessons from Speak Up 1.0 will inform future expansions of the programme, as stakeholders look to deepen student engagement in national conversations around safety, inclusion and responsible digital citizenship.