The sun was bright, the seats were full, and the air buzzed with anticipation. It wasn’t just another school event at St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School — this was the grand finale of the National Girls’ Speech and Debate Championship (NGSDC).
The NGSDC Debate finals at St. Thomas Aquinas SHS brought Ghana’s brightest young minds together, from Gomoa Senior High School and Twifo Praso Senior High School, turning words into power through powerful arguments, inspiration, and victory.
From the first speaker’s opening line to the last rebuttal, one thing was clear: this stage belonged to young women who had done their homework… and came ready to win.
A Moment for Art At the NGSDC Debate
Before the first arguments flew, the hall was hushed for a different kind of performance. Aban Priscilla took centre stage to recite her poem, “The Price for the Pride.”
Every line was a gut punch — tender yet unflinching. The crowd listened in silence, some nodding, others lost in thought. It wasn’t just art for art’s sake. It was a call to feel, to think, to question.
That moment bridged seamlessly into the debate itself, reminding everyone that speech — whether in rhyme or rebuttal — has the power to change how we see the world.
The Motion That Got Everyone Talking
The second episode’s finals tackled a motion that could easily start arguments in classrooms, WhatsApp groups, and even living rooms across Ghana:
“Social Media is a source of misinformation and disinformation rather than a positive force in Ghana’s political campaigns.”
The topic felt almost too timely — with politics now playing out on timelines and hashtags as much as on rally grounds. But that’s exactly why it was so electrifying.
Every argument made felt like it could spark a genuine conversation in the real world. And to present the “for” side, Gomoa Senior High School stepped forward, ready to convince us that the risks of social media far outweigh its benefits during political campaigns.
From Sixteen to Two: The Journey
But before this moment in the spotlight, there was a fierce journey here. The NGSDC debate Championship began with 16 of the best senior high schools in Ghana, each one determined to prove its debating strength.
Quarter-finals saw that number sliced in half to 8. Semi-finals? Only 4 remained. And when the dust settled, just two schools stood on the grand stage, ready to make history.
Knowing how hard these girls had fought to get here made the next part even more thrilling — because in debates, the stakes are as high as the passion in the room.
Young Women Owning the Stage
The moment the first speaker started, the atmosphere shifted. These young women didn’t just talk; they commanded the room.
Some used humour to charm, others leaned into emotion to tug at the heart, and still others fired rapid bursts of facts that made the audience nod in approval.
It wasn’t just about what they said — it was about the strategies they used to deliver their facts. And their confident delivery only fueled what was happening in the audience next.
The Audience Was All In
If you thought debates were quiet, think again. Every sharp rebuttal brought applause. Every bold statement drew gasps. Even the witty comebacks got chuckles from the crowd.’
The room’s energy was infectious, and it became obvious that this wasn’t just entertainment — it was a community rallying around the power of young voices.
And that power was echoed even louder when the guest speaker took the stage.
Words That Stayed With Us
British-Ghanaian Labour MP Mrs Belle Rebero didn’t just give a speech — she gave a challenge.
“We are not gathered here just to celebrate your achievements but to remind ourselves of the immense power that lies within each one of you.”
Her words tied perfectly into the Championship’s theme: “Speak Up and Speak Out even when you are being shut down”.
“Your voice is the most powerful tool. It can change the state, question injustice, and inspire others to join you in the fight for what is right.”
It was a reminder that this wasn’t just about winning a debate; it was about building a generation unafraid to speak truth to power.
The Final Showdown
From the very first round, it was clear that every school came prepared to battle with both brains and heart.
But as the competition tightened, the spotlight slowly narrowed on two schools — Gomoa Senior High School, defending the motion, and their equally fiery opponents, Twifo Praso Senior High School.
The debate was no walk in the park. Points flew like arrows, counterarguments landed with precision, and every speech was a blend of confidence, humour, and hard facts.
The audience was on the edge of their seats, clapping, cheering, and occasionally gasping at the sharpness of the rebuttals.
And the Winner Is…
After what felt like the longest wait for the results, the atmosphere in St. Thomas Aquinas SHS grew electric. Phones were ready, eyes were fixed on the judges’ table, and you could almost hear the heartbeat of the room.
Then came the moment: Gomoa Senior High School was announced as the champions of this NGSDC debate episode.
The hall erupted in applause and celebration. Tears, hugs, and wide smiles painted the stage as the young debaters held their trophy high — proof that preparation, passion, and the courage to speak up can truly lead to victory.
Takeaways Beyond the Podium
When the final arguments wrapped, the real takeaway was crystal clear:
- Preparation pays off.
- Courage is contagious.
- One voice can start a movement.
And NGSDC knows this better than anyone.
Why NGSDC Is Different
This isn’t just another high school contest. The National Girls’ Speech and Debate Championship is a training ground for leadership, confidence, and influence. It’s where girls learn not just to speak, but to own their narratives — and change the narratives of others.
The finals at St. Thomas Aquinas proved one thing: when you give young women the microphone, they’ll do more than debate. They’ll inspire. They’ll challenge. They’ll lead.
Watch the full debate here: NGSDC YouTube – Finals Episode
Learn how your school can join the movement: Visit NGSDC’s official page
