The Luv FM Kel Charcoal Toothpaste High School Debate is returning for its seventh edition, promising a more exciting and competitive platform for senior high school students to engage in robust discussions on some of the most pressing national issues.

The annual inter-schools competition brings together senior high schools across the Ashanti Region to debate topical social, economic and national development issues, while equipping young people with the skills needed to become responsible citizens and future leaders.

The 2026 edition is expected to provide students with another opportunity to move beyond the classroom and contribute to conversations on issues such as illegal mining, flooding, rising fuel prices, education, corruption and systemic social injustices.

Twenty schools have advanced to the main competition, after a fierce preliminary contest where students put their research, analytical and public speaking skills to the test.

According to event coordinator Eric Nkoom, “the competition is more than just a contest to determine the best debating school. It is designed to expose young people to national issues and encourage them to critically examine the challenges facing Ghana while proposing practical and innovative solutions”.

“Teachers are therefore encouraged to allow students to undertake their own research instead of relying on prepared debate scripts,” he said.

This approach, according to organizers, gives participants the opportunity to develop their own understanding of national problems, challenge existing perspectives and come up with ideas that could contribute to addressing some of the country's longstanding challenges.

Over the years, the competition has also provided participants with valuable exposure and opportunities beyond the debate stage.

Some past participants have benefited from scholarship opportunities to pursue their education locally and internationally, while others have continued to demonstrate the confidence, research abilities and public-speaking skills gained from their participation.

For organisers, these outcomes underscore the broader objective of the competition, to develop young people who are informed, confident and prepared to participate meaningfully in Ghana's development.

The 2026 edition starting on Monday, August 10, officially marks the seventh year of the Luv FM Kel Charcoal Toothpaste High School Debate.
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Finalists will be rewarded for their hard work, research and creative submissions, with prizes announced at the beginning of the competition and subject to the level of sponsorship secured for the year.

As the competition grows, expectations are high for another series of thought-provoking debates, intense intellectual exchanges and innovative ideas from some of the brightest students in the Ashanti Region.

The organisers are also calling on supporters, parents, teachers and old students to rally behind participating schools and make the competition not only intellectually stimulating but also exciting and memorable.

For the students taking part, however, the biggest prize may extend beyond trophies and scholarships.

The ability to research a problem, defend an argument, listen to opposing views and propose solutions could be the foundation for the kind of leadership Ghana will need in the years ahead.

Sponsors for this year’s event include Amansie Community Bank, Holy Insecticide Spray, New Generation Investment Services (NGIS), Didi Shito, St. Ben Jewelry, Serpo Mystical Pen, Otuasekan Community Bank, Bigoo, Tamak Education, The Seed Travel, and Lele Rice.

The Luv FM Kel Charcoal Toothpaste High School Debate will be live on Luv 99.5Fm and its social media platforms as well as JoyPrime and JoyLearning on the MultiTV platform.