By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Big Ada, Nov. 04, GNA-The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has organised an inter-school debate competition in the Ada East District, Greater Accra Region, as part of its educational initiatives ahead of Ghana’s December 7 general elections.
The debate was aimed at instilling confidence, public speaking skills, and critical thinking in students while promoting the importance of peaceful and informed elections.
Under the leadership of Ms. Faustina Blewusi, publicly known as Mama Megbenya II, the NCCE Ada East District Director, the event focused on sensitising students to issues relating to electoral integrity, particularly the need to reject electoral violence and how to identify and counter misinformation and disinformation.
Ms. Blewusi expressed a vision to expand the initiative despite challenges with securing adequate sponsorship for such programmes.
“I am immensely grateful to Naana Adikie Manyeyo Adi I, Queen Mother of the Adibiawe Clan of Ada, who covered all the costs needed to make this programme a success. She demonstrated exceptional generosity,” she said.
The District NCCE director called on individuals and organisations to support her dream of making the debate an annual district-wide event with a wider reach.
Mrs. Elizabeth Agyemang, Ada East Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), who served as one of the judges, encouraged the students to stand up for their rights.
“Don’t allow anyone to infringe upon your rights. If you encounter any concerns, don’t hesitate to report them to our office or the police,” she stated.
The schools that participated in the debate included King’s Kids Academy (Ada-Foah), Christ Love Academy (Kasseh-Ada), Methodist J.H.S. (Big Ada) and Presby J.H.S. (Big Ada).
After the contest, Presby J.H.S. emerged the winner with 150 points, followed closely by Christ Love Academy with 140 points.
Certificates of participation and educational supplies, including packs of books, mathematics sets, and other gifts, were awarded to all student participants, while heads of schools received certificates and copies of the 1992 Constitutions as a token of appreciation.
The winning school was also presented with a branded trophy.
GNA