Alpha Beta Christian College has won the debate category at the 2nd edition of the Inter School Girls Debate Championship 2023.

The championship, held on the theme 'Think Equal, Build Inclusively & Advocate for Change', at the University of Ghana’s (UG) Balme Library, Legon, took place on 8 March, 2023, marking the celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD).

There was also a panel discussion on 2023 IWD theme; 'DigitAll: Innovation and technology for gender equality'.

This theme was discussed by Jessica Armooh a Product Marketer and founder of the ‘No-Code Techies’ Community; Elizabeth Patterson an educationist and founder of the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana (GEIG); and Otema Yirenkyi, a Data Scientist and co-founder of the tech-based NGO, Because She Can.

Michaela Wekem, an animal biologist and UNPFA Youth Leader Fellow, moderated. 

The event was put together by the Seven Minutes for Girls Initiative, a women-focused group that promotes the development of soft skills for young girls through debate and public speaking under the Speech Forces Organisation.

Held in the British Parliamentary style of debate, the Inter School Girls Debate Championship 2023 featured teams from five schools; Alpha Beta Christian College, Presbyterian Senior High School (Mampong), DPS International School and Ghana Lebanon Islamic Secondary School. 

At the end, Alpha Beta Team A, comprising Edem Maabena Kwakyewaa Nti and Oforiwaa Amparbeng, won the championship. Alpha Beta Team B came in 2nd followed by Ghana Lebanon Islamic Secondary School Team B in 3rd place.

Edem Maabena Kwakyewaa Nti from Alpha Beta Christian College was adjudged the overall best speaker at the championship.

Adwoa Owusua-Obiri from DPS International School followed at 2nd place, Shanice Acquaye from Achimota and Rebecca Nartey from Alpha Beta shared the 3rd place spot and the 5th best speaker award went to Halimatu Sardiah Abdul-Razak from Ghana Lebanon Islamic Secondary School.

To crown an exceptional performance on the day, Edem Maabena Kwakyewaa Nti also picked up the best speaker award at the grand finals.

In her keynote address, the award-winning investigative journalist Mrs Francisca Enchill, pictured above, expressed concern over the gender digital divide.

“Looking into our homes would be the best way to start embracing equity in our society. We have to give equal opportunities to girls and boys to develop relevant technical skills,” she advised. 

Ms Jennifer Nsiah Sarkodie Esq., the convener and team lead for Seven Minutes for Girls Initiative commended the participants and their various schools for participating in this year’s Inter School Girls Debate Championship.

She thanked all the volunteers and individuals who supported the programme and encouraged more schools to participate in subsequent editions.

She appreciated the Chief Adjudicating Panel made up of Maureen Kyere and Abena Achiaa Otuo.

She also expressed her gratitude to the initiative’s Patron, Mrs Akosua Manu, Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority, for her support.