The Ghana Education Service in partnership with Cowbell has organised the finale of the Independence Day Anniversary SHS debate competition.

The event which was held in the assembly hall of the Presbyterian Boys Senior High School at Legon forms part of activities by the Service to mark the 64^th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Yaa Asantewaa SHS emerged as the ultimate prize winner for the competition after a sterling display of dexterity on the motion for the debate, 'Universal testing for Covid-19 is necessary'.

They narrowly beat Ola Girls SHS in what can be described as a charged debate atmosphere with thousands watching the live broadcast in their homes. 

In his welcome address, Deputy Director General of GES, Anthony Boateng expressed his excitement about the competition.

He further reiterated the timeliness and relevance of the topic for the debate.

Mr Boatenf further congratulated contestants of both schools for making it to the final beating many other contenders.

He also took the opportunity to encourage all the students to pursue their dreams and not give up when there aare obstacles.

“I personally believe that every young person has a dream which must be fulfilled, but the dream can only be achieved when we worked at it.

"Let us together mobilise our God-given talents now to ensure that the potential asset and benefits are realised for the good of Ghana and Africa at large,” he said.

On his part, Dairy Category lead for Promasidor, producers of Cowbell, Joseph Ashong, said the competition is part of the commitment Cowbell has made to support the educational development of the Ghanaian child. 

“I will like to assure GES and our students that Cowbell is here to stay, and we will continue to invest in this project.

"We will also like to encourage all students to devote part of their leisure time to reading and researching in order to become a well-informed debater," he said.

The competition was adjudicated by renowned political scientist who is also the Chief Director, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Evans Aggrey-Darko as well two lectures from department of adult education, University of Ghana.

At the end of the heated debate, the winning school, Yaa Asantewaa SHS took home a cash prize of ¢4,000, a laptop for all 4 contestants, Hampers and products from Cowbell.