Sawla Senior High School has emerged as the winner of the 2024/2025 National Debate Final organised by the Northern Debaters Forum (NorDeF), marking a significant milestone in academic excellence and critical thinking among second-cycle institutions in northern Ghana.
The keenly contested final brought together four outstanding schools—Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School (BOGISS), St. Francis Girls of Assisi Senior High School, Tamale Girls Senior High School, and Sawla Senior High School—following a rigorous series of regional-level competitions. The event marked the climax of debates held across the five northern regions.
Members of the Sawla SHS debate team attributed their victory to determination and mental preparedness, noting that they approached the competition with a winning mindset. Their strong arguments, confidence and clarity of thought earned them the top spot ahead of St. Francis Girls of Assisi SHS, who placed second. Bolgatanga Girls SHS finished third, while Tamale Girls SHS placed fourth.
As winners, Sawla SHS received a trophy, a cash prize and assorted products from KIVO, the main sponsor of the programme. The other participating schools also received recognition and support for their impressive performances.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Northern Debaters Forum, Mr. Tebon Zumah, explained that NorDeF is a local non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting debate, public speaking and creative arts such as drama and poetry in second-cycle institutions. He noted that although debate activities began in 2002, the organisation was officially launched in 2003.
According to Mr. Zumah, the 2024/2025 edition expanded debate competitions across the northern regions, culminating in the selection of the “winner of winners” at the national final. “Today, we have selected the best among the regional champions, and that happens to be Sawla Senior High School,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of nurturing young talents, adding that many members of NorDeF benefited from debate clubs during their school days and were motivated to offer similar opportunities to the younger generation.
Mr. Zumah further explained that the debate topic—“Poverty in Northern Ghana is a lost battle”—was deliberately chosen to provoke critical reflection on a major development challenge in the northern sector. He praised the students for presenting insightful arguments both for and against the motion, noting that their ideas offered hope and practical perspectives on addressing poverty.
The event also featured a short drama on poverty, which organisers said would leave a lasting impression on participants.
Mr. Zumah expressed gratitude to KIVO and other prospective partners for supporting the initiative, describing the programme as a vital platform for shaping future leaders and change-makers.
