The University of Ghana Debate Society (UGDS) has once again cemented its reputation as the nation’s premier intellectual powerhouse, delivering a spectacular, record-setting performance at the Ghana Universities Debate Championship (GUDC) 2025.
Hosted at Accra Technical University (ATU) from October 6 to 11, 2025, the championship saw UGDS not only secure an unprecedented 23 awards across both Debate and Public Speaking categories but also claim the coveted Public Speaking Championship title — leaving no doubt about their overwhelming dominance.
The UGDS contingent, comprising 11 teams, demonstrated exceptional skill in the highly competitive British Parliamentary Debate format. Three Open teams — UG A, UG B, and UG C — advanced to the Partial Semifinals, showcasing the depth of their talent.
The team of Jedidiah Henaku-Budu and Joel Aboagye (UG B) went even further, battling their way to the prestigious Grand Finale — a testament to their unwavering competitive spirit.
The future of UGDS debating also looks incredibly bright, with all four novice teams (UG H, UG I, UG J, and UG K) making a strong impression by advancing to the Novice Quarterfinals. Individually, UGDS speakers were highly decorated: Joel Aboagye was named the 5th Best Open Speaker and Best Institutional Speaker (UG), while Ann Donya earned the titles of 9th Best Open Speaker and Best Female Speaker. In the novice division, Agbedanu Woelorm Kwaku took home the top prize as Best Novice Speaker, with Eugenia Afua Adoma Atta-Sonno securing 6th Best Novice Speaker.
The society’s oratory prowess was equally undeniable in the Public Speaking category, where UGDS completely dominated the field. An impressive five of the ten finalists hailed from the University of Ghana — a remarkable achievement that underscored the society’s strong speaking culture. Andrew Kwasi Kattah claimed the ultimate prize as Public Speaking Champion, while fellow finalists Lois Mensah (3rd Best Speaker), Oscar Gati Edudzi (4th Best Speaker), Adeleye Temiloluwa Abundance (6th Best Speaker), and Kwabena Attafuah Quainoo (9th Best Speaker) also earned spots among the nation’s top orators. Adding to the list of accolades, Eugenia Afua Adoma Atta-Sonno was recognized as Best Prelims Public Speaker, further emphasizing the society’s depth of talent.
Beyond the competition floor, the UGDS contingent also demonstrated excellence in adjudication. Their judges were highly ranked, receiving a total of eight awards across both Debate and Public Speaking. Clement Odjidja Odjao stood out as 3rd Best Adjudicator in Public Speaking, while Ebere Ucheoma was named 3rd Best Open Judge in the Debate category, alongside five other UGDS judges who made the top ranks.
In total, the University of Ghana Debate Society secured an astounding 23 awards, firmly establishing itself as the most successful institution at GUDC 2025. This historic victory stands as a resounding testament to the dedication, discipline, teamwork, and strong institutional culture that define the UGDS, reaffirming its status as a leading force in Ghanaian university intellectual life.
—
Story by Nancy Kyeremeh | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
