Elisha and Wesoamo to Represent UG at World Debate Championship
Mr. Elisha Owusu Akyaw and Ms. Zempare Wesoamo will represent the University of Ghana (UG) at the 2023 World Universities Debate Championship (WUDC) to be hosted by Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain from 26th December, 2022 to 4th January, 2023.
WUDC, the largest debating and public speaking competition in the world since the first edition in Glasgow (hosted by Glasgow University Union) in 1981, returns to in-person format after two years of virtual editions as a result of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The championship over the years has grown to include about 400 participants across 90 countries competing for honours.
The University of Ghana Team made up of Elisha and Zempare will be looking forward to breaking out of the preliminary rounds for the first time by any Ghanaian Team at this level. Sequel to their impressive showing at the 2022 Pan African Universities Debate Championship (PAUDC) held at the Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya earlier this month where they placed 3rd, this duo has the capabilities of going the full haul in the championship.
Mr. Elisha Owusu Akyaw, Best Debater, 2022 PAUDC
Mr. Elisha Owusu Akyaw, President of the UG Debate Society and also the Best Debater at the 2022 PAUDC expressed relief to finally compete at WUDC in in-person after two years of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that they were going into the championship to make UG proud.
"We are relieved to be attending the World Universities Debate Championship as it returns to an in-person format. We are optimistic that it would be a great experience for us as participants. We appreciate all the support we have received over the academic year. We will give off all our best to ensure UG is counted among the best in the largest debate tournament on the globe. We hope to make everyone proud."
UG defended the Public Speaking trophy won at the 2019 edition at the University of Cape Town, South Africa at the last in-person WUDC at the Assumption University, Bangkok, Thailand in 2020
The Team will depart Accra, Ghana on 26th December, 2022 for Madrid, Spain.
The University wishes the team the very best in the championship.