The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in the Bono Regional capital of Sunyani, is scheduled to host the 2021 edition of the Ghana University Debate and Public Speaking Championship involving nine universities.

The one-week program, expected to end on November 2, 2021, is being organised by the Ghana University Debate Association and UENR Forensic Society, under the theme, "Creating Avenue for Youth Participation in Advocacy and Policy Making." 

According to the organisers, the event which could not take place in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is dubbed "Osono" (elephant). This is to reflect the history of the host city, Sunyani, which used to be a hub of elephants.

Competing universities are UENR (host), Cape Coast University, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and University of Ghana, Legon.

The rests are the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) in Wa, University of Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale, Akenteng Appiah Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneur Development (AAMUSTED), and the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS).

In his welcome note ahead of the contest, the Vice-Chancellor of UENR, Prof. Elvis Asare Bediako, applauded the students for making good use of their time by engaging in intellectual exercises such as debates and public speaking.

He noted that the essence of the youth is to contribute their intellectual ability and power to nation-building.

"Every nation is built by the head, heart, and hands of selfless, progressive, fair, and firm individuals. Your presence in this championship alone means that you have these qualities, and, therefore, I believe the future of our beloved country is in good hands", he said.

Prof. Asare-Bediako is hopeful these championships will not only be an avenue to master the philosophy of arguments and skills of public speaking by students, but also build their creativity, social networking, progressive mindedness, addressing societal problems, contributing to nation-building, creating jobs, and making the world a better place. 

On his part, the Dean of Students at UENR, Dr. Dominic Otoo, stressed the importance of the debate, which affords the students the chance to speak their minds on national issues since the country is for them. 

He assured students, especially the debaters from competing universities, of solid measures put in place by management to ensure a successful championship.

Dr. Otoo, however, reminded the debaters that as they go into the contest, "some will win while others will lose", and urged them to comport themselves throughout.

Some of the students who were in high spirits shared their optimism about being victorious due to their adequate preparation.

"For us, we only know how to win, and that is exactly what we are here to do", a student of KNUST confidently said.

Another student from Cape Coast University said they will win the top prize with the spirit of the coast behind them.

Other students said "may the best school win", with the hope that their school ends up as the best.

The participants are expected to visit some tourist sites including the Kintampo waterfalls in the Brong Ahafo Region.