Cowbell-GES Independence Day Debate: Gomoa Senior High Technical Triumphs Over Serwaa Kesse Girls’ SHS to Claim Victory

Gomoa Senior High Technical claimed victory in the 28th edition of the Cowbell-GES Independence Day Debate, outshining Serwaa Kesse Girls’ Senior High School in a tense final held in Accra as part of Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebrations. The contest, which brought together some of the brightest young minds in the country, saw Gomoa Senior High Technical emerge as the champions with an impressive score of 226.34 points. Serwaa Kesse Girls’ Senior High School, who represented the Northern sector, finished closely behind with 213 points.

This year’s debate journey began in February 2025, with more than 800 senior high schools across the country competing at the regional level. The competition culminated in the grand finale in March 2025, where the two finalists—each with an all-female team—battled it out on the motion: “68 years after independence, Ghana has fulfilled the dreams of the founding fathers.” Gomoa Senior High Technical, representing the Southern Sector, clinched the coveted Cowbell debate trophy, along with golden medals, certificates, and hampers from Promasidor Ghana (PGH), the sponsor of the event.

Serwaa Kesse Girls’ Senior High School also walked away with medals and hampers from PGH as a token of recognition for their outstanding performance. The event showcased not only the intellectual prowess of the students but also their ability to engage in thoughtful discourse on national and global issues, underlining the importance of critical thinking and public speaking.

Abiodun Ayodeji, the Commercial Director of Promasidor Ghana, congratulated all the participants for their excellent contributions throughout the competition. In his remarks, Ayodeji commended the students for their engagement in intellectual discussions, which he said are vital for their personal development and for the country’s future. “All participating schools, from the regional levels to the finale, deserve commendation for their remarkable efforts in discussing pressing issues with clarity and confidence,” he stated. He also reaffirmed Promasidor’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote academic excellence, highlighting the company’s role in helping students hone their public speaking and debate skills.

He emphasized that Promasidor, through its flagship brand Cowbell, continues to provide nutritious milk products to Ghanaians, particularly to the younger generation. “Our continuous support of this competition reflects our commitment to not only fostering academic growth but also ensuring the health and well-being of children across the country,” Ayodeji said.

Since its inception in 1997, the Annual National Inter-School Debate Competition has become an integral part of Ghana’s educational landscape. The event is a key collaboration between the Ghana Education Service (GES) and Cowbell, aimed at promoting intellectual engagement, enhancing public speaking skills, and encouraging critical thinking among students. Over the years, it has served as a platform for students to address relevant national issues, develop their research skills, and engage in healthy intellectual competition. The competition’s growth has helped shape young minds into confident leaders ready to tackle the challenges of the future.

The Cowbell-GES Independence Day Debate is not just about winning but about nurturing the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders. As part of the Independence Day celebrations, the event underscores the importance of education and critical discourse in the continued development of Ghana. The success of this year’s debate, with Gomoa Senior High Technical emerging victorious, highlights the growing importance of debates in schools as tools for fostering academic excellence, leadership, and national pride.

The debate also acts as a reminder that, while Ghana celebrates its past achievements, the nation’s future depends on how well its students are prepared to face the challenges ahead. Through initiatives like the Cowbell-GES Debate, the country is ensuring that the next generation is equipped not just with academic knowledge, but with the critical skills necessary to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s progress.