Nkoranza SHTS triumphs in 2026 Cowbell-GES Independence debate
Nkoranza Senior High Technical School (SHTS) in the Bono East Region has emerged winner of the 29th edition of the Cowbell-GES Independence Day Debate, held in Accra as part of activities marking Ghana’s 69th Independence Day celebrations.
The school secured a total score of 260.33 points to defeat Sokode Senior High Technical School, which scored 244.67 points in a closely contested final.
Representing the Northern Zone, Nkoranza Senior High Technical School argued against the motion: “The departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from Economic Community of West African States will be more damaging to the three countries than to ECOWAS.”
The annual debate, organised in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service and supported by Promasidor Ghana through its Cowbell brand, forms part of activities to commemorate the country’s independence anniversary.
Since its introduction in 1997, the competition has served as a platform for senior high school students to sharpen their analytical skills, build confidence in public speaking and deepen their understanding of national and global issues.
The Marketing Manager of Promasidor Ghana, Michael Hagan, congratulated the participating schools for their performance throughout the competition.
“Kudos to all schools from the district, regional and national stages for a stellar performance in this edition. Promasidor through its flagship brand, Cowbell continues to provide nutritious milk products to Ghanaians, treating our young ones to quality food. As a brand intentional about competitive academic excellence, we are grateful for the opportunity to nurture the next generation as it aligns with our business efforts at providing nutritious milk for the wellbeing of all Ghanaians, especially children,” he said.
The debate competition began with more than 700 senior high schools participating at the district level, with only 16 schools progressing to the national stage.
Sokode Senior High Technical School qualified as the leading school from the Southern Zone after defeating contenders including Mfantseman Girls Senior High School, Oda Senior High School, Chemu Senior High School, St Monica’s Senior High School, Bueman Senior High School, Bonzo Kaku Senior High School and Awaso STEM Academy.
On the other hand, Nkoranza Senior High Technical School topped the Northern Zone after outperforming schools such as Serwaa Kesse Girls Senior High School, Sunyani Senior High School, Salaga Senior High School, Walewale Senior High Technical School, Presbyterian Senior High School, Notre Dame Seminary Senior High School and Wa Senior High School.
