By Prince ASUMAH
Afram Publications has called on stakeholders in the education sector to prioritise inter-school debates as a means of promoting a culture of reading among young people.
Speaking to the B&FT, Kwaku Tawiah Mensah of Afram Publications said debates encourage students to read widely and research in order to build strong arguments. He added that they also create a sense of competition and community around reading, making it a valuable and engaging activity.
He stressed that debates play an important role in the education system by boosting cognitive abilities, enhancing critical thinking, and fostering social skills such as confidence and empathy. “Debates teach students to analyse information, consider diverse perspectives, and argue persuasively, even against their own beliefs. This improves academic performance and prepares them for higher education and civic life,” he noted.
Mr. Mensah made these remarks at the sidelines of the annual inter-school debate organised by Afram Publications in collaboration with the Ghana Publishers Association. This year’s contest, held under the theme Inclusive publishing, celebrating accessible literature, was won by Tema Senior High School, ahead of Okuapeman, Swedru and Winneba senior high schools.
Presenting the award, Managing Director of Afram Publications, Harriet Tagoe, said the competition was designed to give students a platform to address national issues, improve their communication skills and share knowledge.
The call comes against the backdrop of concerns raised by researchers and examination bodies over poor reading habits among students. Reports from the National Board for Technical and Professional Examinations (2019) and the West African Examinations Council (2018) both linked weak reading culture to low performance, particularly in English.
