Tema SHS wins inter-school debate at GIBF

Tema Senior High School (TEMASCO) has emerged winner of the inter-school debate, organised by Afram Publications Limited in collaboration with the Ghana Publishers Association, as part of the ongoing 22nd Ghana International Book Fair in Accra.

The contest, held on the theme, “Inclusive publishing, celebrating accessible literature,” brought together debating teams from four senior high schools - Tema, Winneba, Swedru and Okuapeman senior high schools (SHSs) to deliberate on topical national issues, including illegal mining (galamsey), indiscipline in schools and copyright protection.

At the end of the keenly contested event, Tema SHS took the first position, Winneba SHS placed second, Swedru SHS came third, while Okuapeman SHS took the fourth position.

Debate themes

The contest was structured into two groups, Swedru SHS and Winneba SHS in Group A, debated on the motion: “The devastating effect of illegal mining on the environment is due to non-implementation of appropriate policies”.

Group B, made up of Tema SHS and Okuapeman SHS, locked horns over the motion: “Indiscipline in schools is a result of deficiencies in the school curriculum”.

The winners from each group advanced to the final stage to debate the main topic: “The publishing industry has been adversely affected by the lack of copyright enforcement: Are authors and publishers deserving of copyright protection?” Tema SHS, after a spirited performance, carried the day.

Rational

The Managing Director of Afram Publication, Harriet Tagoe, said the initiative was designed not only to sharpen the communication skills of students but also to give them a platform to exchange knowledge and present fresh perspectives on issues affecting the country.

“Sometimes we assume students are too young to contribute meaningfully to national conversations.

But from their arguments, it is clear they have ideas worth considering.

We are documenting their suggestions and will share them with the relevant stakeholders.

Some of these ideas may even feature in the books we publish.

This is our way of giving back to society,” she said.

Experiences

Excited students of Tema SHS described the experience as both educative and transformative, saying, “At first, we were scared we couldn’t meet the expectations of the judges, but God being so good, we came out as winners.”

They stressed the importance of copyright protection, noting that authors and publishers deserved the full benefits of their intellectual property.

On indiscipline in schools, they argued that the issue could not be blamed solely on the curriculum but also on societal and parental factors.

Beyond the debating motions, the students said the event had boosted their public speaking skills, confidence, teamwork, time management and ability to sacrifice for a cause.

“We want to thank Afram Publications for the platform and our teachers, who sacrificed their time to guide us.

We are proud to have made our school proud,” they added.