Tema Secondary School (TEMASCO) has claimed victory at the 5th GPA/Afram Interschool Debate.

The event, held at the National Theatre in Accra, featured four schools, namely, Swedru SHS, Winneba SHS, Okuapeman SHS, and Tema SHS, giving students a platform to demonstrate their knowledge, hone their communication skills, and propose creative solutions to pressing national issues.

Preliminary Rounds

The schools were divided into two groups. Group A featured Swedru SHS and Winneba SHS, who debated the motion: “The devastating effect of illegal mining (galamsey) on the environment is due to non-implementation of appropriate policies.”

Swedru argued against the motion, while Winneba argued for it. Both teams showcased compelling evidence, persuasive reasoning, and sharp rebuttals.

After a closely contested round, Winneba SHS edged ahead with 85.2%, while Swedru SHS scored 80.5%.

Group B saw Tema SHS take on Okuapeman SHS on the motion, “Indiscipline in schools is a result of deficiencies in the school curriculum.”

Tema argued in favour of the motion; Okuapeman opposed. Each side presented strong arguments and practical solutions, but Tema SHS secured the round with 81.2 percent, leaving Okuapeman SHS at 76.6 percent and advancing to the showdown.

The Grand Finale

The final round pitted Tema SHS against Winneba SHS on the motion: “The publishing industry has been adversely affected by the lack of copyright enforcement: Are authors and publishers deserving of copyright protection?” Tema argued for the motion, while Winneba opposed it.

From the very first argument, the tension in the National Theatre was palpable. Each team presented well-researched points, while their opponents countered with sharp rebuttals and real-world examples.

As the debate progressed, Tema SHS showcased a seamless combination of strategy and teamwork, responding swiftly to Winneba’s challenges and reinforcing their arguments with precise examples. Winneba SHS, on the other hand, fought valiantly, presenting strong counterpoints and keeping the contest extremely close.

The audience was completely engaged—leaning forward in anticipation as each debater delivered their points with clarity and conviction.

Judges carefully scored every round, evaluating not just the content but also the teams’ persuasion, confidence, and ability to think on their feet.

The final results showed Tema SHS emerging victorious with 79.9 percent, while Winneba SHS scored 72.5 percent.

The theatre erupted in thunderous applause as students, teachers, and supporters cheered wildly, celebrating Tema SHS as they proudly lifted their winner’s plaque.

Final Ranking

Tema SHS – 1st place / Champions

Winneba SHS – 2nd place / Runner-up

Swedru SHS – 3rd place

Okuapeman SHS – 4th place

Appreciation

Members of the winning team—Iris Bekoe, Tweneboah Koduah Lois, and Shine Ntilam—expressed their gratitude and shared their thoughts on the triumph.

“When we were contesting, we were terrified because we were afraid we might not meet the expectations of our judges. But God has been so good. We were able to reach our target, and look at us now, emerging as the best school. We are truly grateful for that,” the team said.

They also extended their appreciation to the organisers and their mentors. “We thank Afram Publications Limited for giving us the platform to share our ideas. We are grateful, and we also thank our teachers for guiding and supporting us throughout this competition,” they added.

Sponsors and Recognition

The major sponsors of the debates were: Afram Publications Limited, Quench, SIC, and the Ghana Publishers Association.

The organisers commended all four schools for their impressive performance, noting that the competition not only showcased intellectual talent but also offered students a platform to engage with national issues, reflecting the promising future of Ghana’s youth