Tema SHS Wins Top Honours in GIBF Schools Debate Competition

Tema Senior High School (TEMASCO) has clinched the top spot in the highly competitive inter-school debate organized as part of the 22nd Ghana International Book Fair (GIBF), currently underway in Accra. The competition, spearheaded by Afram Publications Limited in collaboration with the Ghana Publishers Association, brought together four prominent senior high schools to engage in critical discussions on pressing national issues.

Held under the theme “Inclusive Publishing, Celebrating Accessible Literature,” the event sought to promote intellectual engagement among students while raising awareness about challenges within the educational and publishing landscapes in Ghana. The debate featured teams from Tema SHS, Winneba SHS, Swedru SHS, and Okuapeman SHS, who tackled complex topics such as illegal mining, student discipline, and copyright protection.

Rigorous Rounds and Tough Topics

The competition was structured into preliminary rounds, with two schools paired in each group. In Group A, Winneba SHS and Swedru SHS debated the motion:
“The devastating effect of illegal mining on the environment is due to non-implementation of appropriate policies.”

In Group B, Tema SHS squared off with Okuapeman SHS, deliberating the motion:
“Indiscipline in schools is a result of deficiencies in the school curriculum.

After intense arguments and strong rebuttals, Tema SHS and Winneba SHS advanced to the final round. The championship debate centered on the motion:
“The publishing industry has been adversely affected by the lack of copyright enforcement: Are authors and publishers deserving of copyright protection?”

Delivering a convincing performance, the team from Tema SHS emerged victorious, securing the first position. Winneba SHS earned second place, followed by Swedru SHS in third and Okuapeman SHS in fourth.

A Platform for Youth Expression

Speaking at the event, Harriet Tagoe, Managing Director of Afram Publications, said the debate was designed not only to test the students’ public speaking and research abilities but also to provide a platform for the youth to share ideas on national development.

“We often underestimate the voices of our students, but today they proved they have meaningful contributions to make,” she stated. “Their ideas will be documented and shared with policymakers and stakeholders in education and publishing. Some may even inspire future book content.”

Tagoe emphasized that the initiative reflects Afram’s broader mission of supporting education and nurturing future leaders through literature and critical thinking.

Reflections from the Winners

The victorious team from Tema SHS expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing the experience as both transformative and empowering. “We were initially anxious, but with determination, teamwork, and the support of our teachers, we rose to the challenge,” said one team member.

Beyond the debate motions, the students shared that the event helped them build vital life skills—public speaking, time management, critical thinking, and teamwork. They also expressed their views on the issues discussed, emphasizing the importance of copyright enforcement to protect the intellectual property of authors and publishers. On student discipline, they argued that the root causes extend beyond the curriculum, highlighting societal and parental influence as contributing factors.

“We’re proud to have represented our school and showcased the potential of Ghanaian youth. This victory belongs not just to us but to everyone who believed in and supported us,” the team added.

Encouraging Dialogue and Growth

The inter-school debate at the Ghana International Book Fair stands as a testament to the power of education, youth engagement, and cultural development. It provided a space for students to think critically, articulate their views, and engage in meaningful discussions on national issues.

As Ghana continues to invest in education and literacy, initiatives like this debate serve as a reminder that the youth are not just future leaders—they are current voices worth hearing. The success of Tema SHS is a celebration of student excellence and a call to provide more platforms for young minds to shine.