University of Ghana Makes History at World Universities Debate Championship
After successfully defending the World Public Speaking Trophy for two consecutive times in 2019 and 2020, the University of Ghana Debate Society made history again. UG was one of the first African teams to make it to the finals of the highest debating stage in the world during the 43rd World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC) hosted by Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain from 26th December, 2022 to 4th January 2023.
The WUDC is the largest debating and public speaking competition in the world. With over 400 universities and tertiary institutions representing over 90 countries.
The University of Ghana (UG) was represented by bronze medalists in the 2022 Pan African Universities Debate Championships (PAUDC) Mr. Elisha Owusu Akyaw and Miss. Zempare Wesoamo.
Mr. Elisha Owusu Akyaw and Ms. Zempare Wesoamo during the finals
Mr. Elisha Owusu Akyaw, President of the UG Debate Society emphasized the fact that the Society could achieve milestones in championships when given the opportunity. He added that the desire to excel on the world stage had been his focus since his debut in 2019 at the Assumption University, Bangkok, Thailand.
"This is an inspiration to the generations that will come after us. We can do great things and no glass ceiling is ever too high to reach. In a single year, the University has made finals at the national level, Continental championships and on the global stage. Hopefully, this trend continues, and better things follow."
Mr. Elisha Owusu Akyaw
Miss. Zempare Wesoamo who made her in-person debut at the WUDC remarked that their performance was a strong statement made at the global scene. She was excited that their hard work and sacrifices culminated in making history and putting UG again in the limelight.
"It is one of the most unreal moments. To know that all the efforts and sacrifices have come to play before your own eyes. We may not have won like we had wished to. But we know that we made a statement that will carry us on to higher heights. Perhaps next year, the years after we would bring the trophy home and I am glad that we contributed to that intricate story in our own way."
Miss Zempare Wesoamo
The 44th edition of the tournament will be hosted by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Vietnam and the Fulbright University, Vietnam from 26th December 2023 to 4th January 2024.
As per the dictates of this championship, only the first position is announced with the other teams being finalists. We could not win the gold, but Team UG will come back stronger in the next edition.
Group Photograph of ESL Finalists at the Madrid WUDC 2024