EXECUTIVES OF UG DEBATE SOCIETY INTRODUCED TO SPORTS DIRECTORATE
The University of Ghana Debate Society Executives paid a courtesy call on management of the Sports Directorate. The newly elected executives were led by the Debate Coach, Mr. Lawrence Nii Kotey Neequaye.
The Sports Directorate coordinates all activities of debate on UG campus. The Debate Society over the years has achieved laurels both local and internationally. Notable among them were the hosting of the 2015 Pan African Universities Debate Championship, 2019 and 2020 Public Speaking World Champions, 2019 Public Speaking Champions at the Ghana Universities Debate Championship and 2020 Public Speaking African Champions. In the area of leadership, the former Debate Coach, Mr. Antonio Edem Asinyo was appointed President of the World Universities Debate Council in 2019 to preside over all pre council and council meetings and ensure successful implementation of policies.
The elected executives are Elisha Owusu Akyaw, President; Abdul Fattaw Anum, Vice President; Wesoamo Zempare, Secretary; Henry Kofi Quansah, Organising Secretary; Eunice Asare, Publicity Head; Joel Wontumi, Financial Secretary; and Kris Osei Takyi, Research and External Affairs.
In welcoming the executives, the Assistant Registrar of the Sports Directorate, Mrs. Regina Afari Boateng congratulated them on their election to lead the Debate Society. She added that the faith reposed in them by members of the Society is a call to duty, responsibility and service. Mrs. Regina Afari Boateng recounted members of the Society who have held similar positions in the Society in the past and have progressed to excel in their area of study, work and service in their communities; the likes of Antonio Asinyo Edem (former Coach of UG Debate Team), Aurelia Attipoe, Joyce Okyerewa Danso, Duke Opoku Mensah and Lawrence Nii Kotey Neequaye, who is currently the coach of the UG Debate Team, should serve as an impetus for them to excel.
The Director of Sports, Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu commended them for showing leadership by paying management a courtesy call. He added that their tenure in office will be much shorter than normal, due to the change in the academic calendar. To this end, he admonished them to be cognizant of the change and plan their activities accordingly. He informed them of the readiness of the University to participate in the 7th Ghana Universities Debate Championship in Sunyani in October this year. Dr. Bitugu advised that they should be much concerned in leaving a legacy, help develop the sport on campus and improve performance at subsequent championships.
The President of the Debate Society, Mr. Elisha Owusu Akyaw, expressed appreciation to management and staff of the Sports Directorate for the warm reception and support given them over the years. He pledged that his team is extremely focused on changing the narratives regarding performance in debate at national and international championships.