The University of Ghana Debate Society has paid a courtesy call on STAR-Ghana Foundation and the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) to express appreciation for the support received through the Civil Society Strengthening Programme (CSSP) following their victory in the Pan-African Shifting the Power Youth Debate.

The team, which won both the national and continental editions of the competition, met with officials of the two organisations to share their experience and discuss their preparations for the upcoming World Universities Debating Championship in Canada.

Speaking during the visit, Team Coach, Elisha Owusu Akyaw, thanked STAR-Ghana Foundation and WACSI for their support and highlighted the team’s ambition to once again represent Ghana on the global stage. He noted that the team is mobilising resources to enable two debate teams and adjudicators to participate in the championship.

STAR-Ghana Foundation’s Executive Director, Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, congratulated the students for their outstanding achievement and encouraged them to continue using the critical thinking, communication and leadership skills gained through debating to influence positive change in society.

“In the kind of world we are moving into, the ability to reflect, synthesise ideas, articulate your thoughts and convince others is one of the greatest assets you can have,” he said.

He further urged the students to remain committed to promoting locally led development and contributing to national progress, noting that young people have a critical role to play in shaping Ghana’s future.

The Ghana Inter-University Shifting the Power Debate was organised under the global Shift the Power movement, which seeks to promote local leadership, equity and community-led development. The initiative provides a platform for young people to contribute ideas and perspectives on pressing development challenges while championing locally driven solutions.

The UG Debate Society with STAR-Ghana Foundation and WACSI team