A three-member all-female team from the Sociology Debate Club of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has won the 6th edition of the Inter-University Debate Competition.
Representing the Department of Sociology and Social Work under the Sociology Students Association, the team comprised Acquah Deborah Emmanuella, principal speaker and Editor-in-Chief of SOCSA; Senam Christine Agbozo, first supporting speaker; and Francisca Arthur Amankwah, second supporting speaker and Organising Secretary of the Debate Club.
They secured victory arguing in favour of the motion that Ghana has made significant progress in the fight for gender equality.
“This was a strategic decision. As a team of three ladies, we knew it would show we weren’t just talking about gender equality, we were showing it in action. The other team had all males, so the contrast made our point even stronger,” said Emmanuella.
The competition, which featured teams from the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast, was part of a national debate series. The KNUST team said their goal was not only to win points but also to use the platform to show what equality looks like in practice.
On returning to campus, the team visited the Directorate of Student Affairs to present their trophy to the Director, Professor Marian Asantewah Nkansah, and to thank the Directorate for supporting their participation, especially at short notice.
Professor Nkansah congratulated the students, commending their boldness, teamwork and confidence.
“This is what we mean when we say education is more than lectures and exams. You have found your voice through debate, and that’s powerful. Today it is a trophy. Tomorrow, it could be a seat at a national table,” she said.
She encouraged them to explore talents outside the classroom, sharing her own experience of balancing public speaking with a career in chemistry.
“Your degree is important, but what sets you apart is everything else you can do. Public speaking, leadership, creativity. These are what make people remember you,” she said.
During the brief ceremony, Professor Nkansah presented the students with gift bags in appreciation of their achievement.
Other members of the delegation included Edwin Boateng, President of the Sociology Students Association; Nicholas Acolatse, Teaching Assistant in the Department; Louis Dwomoh Boaheng, SOCSA Financial Secretary; Clifford Monnie, President of the Debate Club; and Melvin Adade Darfour, team coach and MPhil Sociology student.
The winning students said they now look forward to mentoring junior debaters and hope their success will inspire more female students to take part in future competitions.
