In a display of intellectual prowess, the Debate Society of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, clinched first place at the Ghana Universities Debate Championship (GUDC) 2023, the Pan-African Universities Debate Championship (PAUDC) 2023, and secured the title of 1st Runner Up at the World Universities Debate Championship (WUDC) 2024. With this victory at PAUDC, KNUST claimed its 4th PAUDC Championship title (previously in 2018, 2019, 2020, and now 2023), setting a record for the most wins at PAUDC Championship.
At GUDC 2023, hosted at KNUST, debaters Kwadwo Opoku Acheampong, the Best Speaker of the tournament, and Furgurson Awuni emerged victorious, adding another trophy to KNUST's collection as they secured the University's 6th GUDC title. Masters Kelvin Asamoah Damptey, Michael Ampah, Benchog Vugu, Dennis Atissu, and Desmond Dorvlo were also among the top ten (10) speakers at the event.
During a brief presentation of the awards to the Vice-Chancellor at the Council Chamber of the University, Master Desmond Dorvlo, President of the KNUST Debate Society, announced that Matthew Agyapong and Jesse Ntiri had also clinched victory in the Novice category of the GUDC, securing a double triumph for KNUST. Doreenda Nti and Euodia Marfowaa Appiah emerged as finalists in the Novice category. At PAUDC, Umuhairu Alhassan and Prosper Michael Ametu were jointly awarded Best Speakers.
Also, KNUST's global impact was further highlighted at the World Universities Debate Championship 2024. After surpassing esteemed institutions such as Harvard University, Cornell University, Stanford, and Brown University; Kelvin Damptey, and Kojo Acheampong secured the position of 1st Runners Up. This achievement marked KNUST as the sole university from Africa with two appearances in the World Finals. Prince-Daniel Teye made history as the first adjudicator to break at the World Universities Debate Championship for KNUST, while Oladi Gabisi advanced to the finals of the World Public Speaking Championship. Kelvin Asamoah Damptey further sustained KNUST's reputation by winning the World Public Speaking Championship and being crowned the best ESL finals speaker of Vietnam WUDC 2024.
Professor Kofi Ohene Owusu-Daaku, Patron of the KNUST Debate Society, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their unwavering support and sponsorship throughout the Championship. He emphasised the global positive attention these events bring to the University and assured that the investment made was not in vain.
In response, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson commended the Society for their commitment to excellence, acknowledging their demonstration of resilience and success in the face of challenges. She conveyed Management's appreciation and continued support, expressing confidence in the students' potential and urging them to prepare diligently for future competitions, as they possess the necessary qualities to emerge victorious once again.
The KNUST Debate Society presented gifts to their coaches, the Patron, and the Vice-Chancellors for their support.