The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani has emerged overall winner of the 2025 Ghana Universities Debate Championship, marking the first time a single university has claimed both the Open and Novice titles in the same year.
This year’s edition, hosted by Accra Technical University (ATU), attracted 53 teams from 14 institutions,the largest turnout yet, and was also the first time a technical university hosted the national competition.
UENR’s strong performance, teamwork, and consistency throughout the tournament earned them the historic double victory.
Speaking to Ghana Weekend on Tuesday October 14, Debate Open Champion Dennis Boateng Amankwa, a Level 400 Electrical Engineering student, said the team’s victory was only the beginning.
“To all the institutions we triumphed over, we want them to know that we’re not going to relax. We’ll work even harder. The things we did to get here, we’ll do that and more because we’re coming back next year to defend the trophy,” Dennis said.
“Unfortunately, there wasn’t a cash prize, and that’s where I want to use this opportunity to plead with the government. Usually, the burden of organising the championship falls on the host institution, and it’s very difficult for them to mobilise resources for both the event and cash prizes,” he added.
Debate Novice Champion Karen Adjeiwaa, a Level 300 Information Technology student, shared similar sentiments and appealed for more institutional support.
“We want to represent Ghana at the Pan-African Universities Debate Championship in South Africa this December, and we’re already preparing for it,” Karen stated.
“Our institution is doing its best, but we still need more funding. We are appealing once again to the government and other stakeholders to come on board and support us.”
Lecturers who coached the team, Dr. Cosmas Rai Amenorvi, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Languages and General Studies and Patron of the UENR Forensic Society (UFS), and James Clarke Hayford, Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations Office, expressed immense pride in the students’ achievements.
Dr. Amenorvi praised the students’ hard work and discipline, noting that their success has brought positive attention to the university.
“We are very proud of what our students have accomplished. Their performance reflects not only their personal dedication but also the quality of training and mentorship at UENR,” he said. “This victory is a stepping stone, and we intend to build on it to ensure UENR remains a strong force in future debate championships.”
James Hayford also commended the team’s resilience and highlighted the university’s commitment to nurturing talent and supporting academic excellence.
“This win means a lot to the UENR community,” he remarked. “It shows that with the right guidance, encouragement, and resources, our students can compete and win at the highest level. We look forward to supporting the team as they represent Ghana on the continental stage.”
The Ghana Universities Debate Championship continues to be a major platform for developing critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership skills among tertiary students across the country.
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