TEMASCO wins inter-school ECOWAS debate contest

Tema Senior High School (TEMASCO) were crowned champion of the inter-school debate contest on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). 

The debate contest, among six second-cycle institutions in Accra, saw TEMASCO emerge victorious after pulling a 402 score ahead of Ebenezer Senior High School (SHS) who secured a score of 360 in the final contest.

The debate, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Accra, saw a keenly contested debate in the first round among schools on a range of interesting topics.

The third inter-school debate was to mark the 50th anniversary of the ECOWAS.

The debate, which focused on the theme, “Stronger together, for a brighter future,” was organised by the MFA in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES). 

It was aimed at increasing the awareness of the youth and the understanding of the regional bloc’s role in regional integration, inspiring and involving the youth in the regional bloc’s affairs. 

Preliminary contests

In the first contest, Labone SHS with 320 lost to St John’s Grammar SHS who scored 365.5 points, while in the second contest, St. Thomas Aquinas SHS with 376 beat Accra Wesley Girls who had 329 points.

For the third contest, Ebenezer SHS slightly edged out TEMASCO in a strongly contest debate, bagging 379 points to beat their rival with just one point. TEMASCO secured 378 points.

Based on the points scored by the six schools in their respective contests, a grand finale was scheduled between Ebenezer SHS and the TEMASCO on the topic “ECOWAS is still strong despite the departure of the three Alliance des ´Etats du Sahel (AES) countries (Yes) or No, ECOWAS is stronger and better with the readmission of the three AES countries” which saw the latter carry the day.

As winners, TEMASCO received a cash sum of GH¢4,000.00 and an additional donation of GH¢10,000.00 from the ECOWAS Resident Representative to Ghana, Mohammed Lawan Gana.

For coming second, Ebenezer SHS took home GH¢3,500, while St. Thomas Aquinas SHS, which placed third based on its overall performance in the preliminary rounds, received GH¢3,000.

Also, St. John’s Grammar, Accra Wesley Girls’, and Labone SHS each received GH¢2,000. All participating schools were awarded citations, certificates and souvenirs.

Impact

The Chief Director of the MFA, Ramses Joseph Cleland, underscored the importance of the debate, saying it was a practical expression of democracy and critical thinking.

“It’s truly inspiring to witness the passion and intellect demonstrated in this debate.

You have delved deep into the complexities and triumphs of ECOWAS and brought fresh perspectives to its 50-year journey. 

“Your arguments, whether in agreement or spirited disagreement, have highlighted the very essence of democracy and the vibrant future of our region,” Ambassador Cleland stated.

The Chief Director urged the students to share the ideas learnt from the contest and also propose solutions to some of the challenges the Bloc faced as future leaders.

“The ideas you have shared, the questions you have posed and the solutions you’ve proposed are invaluable.

Let us carry the spirit of this debate forward. Let us continue to engage, to innovate, and to build a stronger, more prosperous, and more integrated West Africa,” Mr Cleland said.

For his part, Mr Gana emphasised the importance of investing in the youth as the driving force behind West Africa’s future.

He reaffirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to youth empowerment, digital innovation, and inclusive governance as key pillars of its Vision 2050.

Mr Gana expressed optimism for a “united and prosperous West Africa,” where young people played a central role in shaping the future of the sub-region.