UG conquers the world again in world Universities Debate Championship
University of Ghana (UG) made Ghana and Africa proud recording a back to back win in the Public Speaking Competition at the 40th World Universities Debate Championship held at Assumption University, Thailand from 26th December, 2019 to 4th January, 2020.
The World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC) is the largest debating and public speaking competition in the world. First time held in Glasgow in 1981, the WUDC has grown to include over 400 universities and tertiary institutions representing over 90 countries.
UG made its 5th appearance at the championship after successful participation in Malaysia (2015), The Netherlands (2017), Mexico (2018) and Cape Town (2019).
Apreku makes it Back to Back for UG
A level 300 law student of UG, Kweku Apreku Agyepong who graced the Championship for the first time was crowned the champion of Public Speaking making him the second Ghanaian to win this category of the championship at the WUDC since its inception in 1981.The first was Jeremiah Kobby Sekyi a level 400 Pharmacy student of UG last year at Cape Town.
Maureen Kyere, a prodigy in Public Speaking in Ghana and Africa and also a level 300 law student placed 3rd in the same category cementing University of Ghana’s reputation at the world stage as one of the best institutions to look out for in Public Speaking.
Kweku Apreku Agyepong
Apreku was elated with the back to back record for UG at the Championship and also called for more support from the University leadership and corporate Ghana to support the sports.
“I am very humbled to win the Public Speaking Category and be the world Champion of Public Speaking at my first attempt. With God’s help and the prayers of my family and friends, I have emerged successful, the University of Ghana Debate Society and entire University community at large has emerged successful. This is a powerful statement that it is not just mere things we boast about in this country but we can challenge the big players on a global stage. As a continent and as University of Ghana students, we are capable of doing great things. Moving forward I would implore the University and other stakeholders to support the Debate Society to train and equip the youth to reach higher heights.”
Investment bearing fruits
The performance of the Debate Society under the guidance and tutelage of the Sports Directorate and Antonio Edem Asinyo as Coach, has seen great improvement after each Championship in which they participated. The training and support given the debaters have started bearing fruits. UG keeps improving at the world stage every year. This is evident after winning two Public Speaking Championship titles at the world stage in three years consecutively and also contesting in the Pan African Universities Debate Championship finals in Tanzania (2018) and in Ghana (2019). The Society’s ability to churn out quality year after year proves that there is no over reliance on any debater.
UG Debate Coach hands over as WUDC President
Ace Ghanaian and world Debater, Antonio Edem Asinyo who was elected as the president of the global body overseeing the successful organization of this year’s Championship hands over to Zachary Wong from the University of Oakland, New Zealand. The other elected executives are Udai Kamath (Australia) Registrar, Drew Harrington (USA) Secretary and Adrain Rigor (Philippines) Equity Officer with Charlotte Massey and Lebokang serving as Women Officers. Their mandate spans over a period of 12 months.
Antonio Edem Asinyo
Antonio expressed happy sentiments over the win and his historic tenure as the first black President of the World’s Debate Council.
“As the coach of the team, I’m humbled to be part of this story. I’m grateful to the University authorities and all others who have contributed to our success. What’s more, as World’s Council Chair, I just handed over after a fruitful tenure that focused on economic inclusion and successful implementation of the affirmative action policy”.
Road to Asia
University of Ghana will defend its title at the 41st Championship in South Korea from December 2020 to January 2021. It will be fulfilling to see the Champions go at it once more in their numbers to make another statement at the world stage.
