The 2025 National Girls’ Speech and Debate Championship (NGSDC) has kicked off at Accra Girls’ Senior High School, gathering 16 senior high schools (SHS) from across Ghana.
The NGSDC is a nationwide initiative that is fast becoming one of the most transformative platforms for student expression, empowerment and leadership.
Held under the theme ‘Her Voice, Her Choice, Her Future’, this year’s event opened with a passionate call to action from the Executive Director of NGSDC, Dora Badu Owusu-Adomah, who urged young participants to take charge of their future by embracing purpose, kindness and self-discipline.
Addressing a packed auditorium of students, teachers, judges and dignitaries, the executive director reminded the audience that “your life is not a performance. It is a project. Build it with care”.
The opening ceremony featured remarks from Richlove Animah Berchie, representing the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, and Dr. Osman Tahidu Damba, Secretary-General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, both of whom emphasised the importance of creating platforms that uplift young girls and amplify their voices in national development.
A thought-provoking panel discussion titled ‘The Youth’s Future Conversation’ brought together a diverse group of speakers, including Ayisha Yakubu, a journalist; Dep. Secretary-General – Ghana Commission for UNESCO, Dr. Nazia Ibrahim; civic leader, Gifty M. Dumelo; and student debater Francisca Odoom of Gomoa SHTS.
Topics ranged from youth mindset and social media influence to responsibility, discipline and the importance of finding purpose early in life.
Mrs. Owusu-Adomah also used the platform to address troubling trends such as bullying, peer pressure and the rise of risky behaviours among students, cautioning those who tear others down with words or encourage irresponsible choices. “True leadership lifts people higher; it doesn’t pull them into regret,” she said.
The Round of 16 kicked off immediately after the ceremony, featuring engaging speech presentations from all 16 participating schools. Each presentation reflected the theme, showcasing the students’ passion, originality and critical thinking on issues affecting girls and youth in Ghana today.
The NGSDC continues to position itself as a powerful force for change, not only by providing a stage for academic excellence, but also by mentoring a generation of girls to rise boldly and lead with purpose.
It is powered by MerMac Productions, a subsidiary of the Help A Girl Foundation, in partnership with the Ghana Education Service (GES), Ghana Commission for UNESCO and several corporate and community sponsors such as MARGINS ID Group, CUPA Study International, Twellium Industries, among others.
The event continues in the coming weeks with the Quarter finals, Semi-finals and grand finale scheduled for July.
