Draft:Ghana Universities Debate Championship

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Ghana Universities Debate Championship

The Ghana Universities Debate Championship (GUDC) is an annual British Parliamentary debate competition for universities across Ghana.[1] In 2023, the winner was the duo of Kojo Acheampong and Furgurson Awuni, representing Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

Opening ceremony of GUDC 2023
Opening ceremony of GUDC 2023
GUDA was formed on the 24th of OCtober 2014

History of GUDC

The inception of the GUDC can be traced back to when it was known as the GTDC. The stewardship of GUDC falls under the purview of the Ghana Universities Debate Association (GUDA). GUDA is currently presided over by Mahadi Ayiwolli Awedaga. Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu serves as the patron.

The roots of GUDA extend to the founding institutions. These institutions include the University of Development Studies, the University of Ghana, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. As of 2023, GUDA has grown to encompass several other universities, including the University of Energy and Natural Resources, SDD-UBIDS, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Accra Technical University, Takoradi Technical University, AAMUSTED, and the University of Cape Coast, all of which are active voting members in the association.

Debating Format

GUDC uses the BP debating format. The British Parliamentary (BP) debate format, is a competitive and structured form of debating that is commonly practiced at various academic institutions, including universities and colleges.[2] In a BP debate, four teams, each consisting of two debaters, engage in a discussion on a given topic or motion. Other tournaments that use the BP Debate style worldwide are the Pan-African Universities Debate Championship and the World Universities Debating Championship.

Key features of British Parliamentary debate include: Four-Team Format: A BP debate involves two teams on each side: the "Government" and the "Opposition." Each team consists of two debaters,making it a four-team format. Impromptu Topics: Debaters receive their debate motion or topic shortly before the round begins, typically about 15 minutes in advance. This requires debaters to think quickly and respond effectively to a wide range of subjects. Time Limits: Each speech has a predetermined time limit, typically ranging from 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the tournament rules. Debaters must adhere to these time limits.

Participating Universities

Records at GUDC

  • Jacob Johnson Attakpah and Kojo Acheampong hold the record for being two time back to back champions of GUDC.
  • Kelvin Kwabena Damptey holds the record for most appearances in the GUDC final (3).
  • Belinda Boahen holds the record for most best speaker awards(3).
List of tournaments
Year Hosting Institution Open finalists Winning Opening Team Open final Judge Best Adjudcator Best Speaker Open Final Motion
2024 University of Cape Coast
2023 Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology OG- UCC Jacklyn Ballang and Nana Godfred Boakye

OO- Prince Dennis Atisu and Kelvin Kwabena Asamoah Damptey CG- Kojo Acheampong and Furgurson Awuni CO- Desmond Dorvlo and Addo-Obeng Opoku Agyeman

CG- KNUST- Kojo Acheampong and Furgurson Awuni Maisie Wilhemina(Chair), Amadu. W. Arafat, Emmanuel Owusu Adade, Odei, Layaana Serwah Sharif, Odei Appiah Yaw Amadu. W. Arafat Kojo Acheampong THS the introduction voting in the Ghana General Elections
2022 University of Ghana OG- Abdul Annum Fattaw and Elisha Akyaw

OO- Franco Osei-Wusu and Prosper Michael Ametu CG- Mahadi Awedaga and Sharrif

CO- Kojo Acheampong and Kelvon kwabena Asamoah Damptey

CO- KNUST- Kojo Acheampong and Kelvin Kwabena Damptey Jessica Afi Fayose Prosper Michael Ametu THR the constitutional empowerment of chieftaincy in Ghana.
2021 University of Energy and Natural Resources OG- KNUST-Benchog Vugu and Kelvin Kwabena Asamoah Damptey

OO- KNUST-Prosper Michael Ametu and Vincent Attakpah CG- University of Ghana- Karim and Elisha Akyaw CO- KNUST- Raphael Arthur and Brain Abbah-Djitornu

University of Ghana - CG- Karim and Elisha Akyaw Abdul Karim and Elisha Akyaw
2020 Not held (COVID-19)
2019 All Nations University College UCC- Mylo Dadzie and ... Erasmus Segbefia
2018 KNUST- Jacob Johnson Attakpah and Isaac Duah Jacob Johnson Attakpah
2017 UENR KNUST- Jacob Johnson Attakpah and Joseph Mireku
2016 University Cape Coast
2015 [3]Kwame Nkrumah University Science Technology
2014 University of Ghana
GUDC Public Speaking Champions
Year Name Institution
2024
2023 Alia Huda Saqib UCC
2022 Emmanuella Gyimah UG
2021 Jahmai Aikins UCC
2020
2019
UCCDS wins public speaking trophy for GUDC 2023
UCCDS wins public speaking trophy for GUDC 2023

Notable Alumni

  • Eric Asamoah Awuah
  • Agyepong Apreku Esq.
  • Boakye Nyamekye Isaac
  • Solomon Omani
  • Saki Sosi
  • Erasmus Segbefia
  • Joseph Mireku
  • Jacob Johnson Attakpah
  • Mylo Dadzie
  • Belinda Boahen
  • Julian M Cobinnah
  • Antonio Asinyo
  • Michael Sam
  • kalvin McQuaye Esq.

References[edit]

GUDC 2023: https://knustgudc23.calicotab.com/gudc23/

GUDC 2022: https://gudc2022.calicotab.com/GUDC2022/

UCC Wins GUDC 2019: https://www.ucc.edu.gh/news/ucc-debate-society-presents-gudc-trophy-vice-chancellor

KNUST wins GUDC 2019: https://www.successafrica.info/knust-debate-team-wins-ghana-universities-debate-championship/

  1. ^ Agboni, Nicholas Kelvin (2023-10-17). "KNUST wins the 9th Ghana Universities Debate Championship 2023". Coverghana.com.gh. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
  2. ^ Team, The Oxford Scholastica (2020-02-06). "What Is British Parliamentary Style Debate?". Oxford Summer School 2024 | Oxford Scholastica Academy. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
  3. ^ Marfo, Edward Oppong (2015-06-24). "KNUST hosts 2015 GHANA universities debate championship". Raw Gist. Retrieved 2023-10-20.

University of Ghana hosts GUDC 2022: https://www.ug.edu.gh/sports/content/2022-ghana-universities-debate-championship-launched

KNUST wins GUDC 2023: https://3news.com/news/education/knust-wins-6th-ghana-universities-debate-championship-and-adjudged-first-runner-up-in-the-world-contest/

GUDA: https://twitter.com/debateghana?lang=en