OWASS and KOSS Advance in Day 4 of Luv FM High School Debate

Opoku Ware and KOSS Eliminate Rivals in High School Debate

The prestigious Luv FM Kel-Charcoal Toothpaste High School Debate has reached a critical juncture, with Day 4 of the competition delivering thrilling intellectual battles and decisive victories. The atmosphere was charged with school pride and intense rivalry as participating institutions vied for a coveted spot in the next phase of the tournament. In the end, it was Opoku Ware School (OWASS) and Konongo Odumase Senior High School (KOSS) that emerged triumphant, demonstrating superior oratorical skills and logical reasoning to secure their advancement. These consecutive and emphatic wins by Opoku Ware School and Konongo Odumase SHS unfortunately resulted in the elimination of their respective opponents, Afia Kobi Ampem Girls Senior High School and Kumasi Academy, effectively bringing an untimely end to their ambitious campaigns in this year's competition.

The stakes were incredibly high on the fourth day of the preliminary stage, as every single point scored and every rebuttal delivered carried immense weight. The students stepped onto the stage not just as individuals, but as ambassadors for their historic institutions. The auditorium was a cauldron of noise, tension, and expectation, with supporters from all competing schools rallying behind their respective debaters. From the opening statements to the final verdicts, the contests witnessed so far only prove that the competition will continue to intensify, providing audiences with some of the best battles between equally equipped and well-prepared schools.

Restorative vs. Punitive Justice Takes Center Stage

The day commenced with Contest 7, a highly anticipated clash that pitted the eloquent ladies of Afia Kobi Ampem Girls Senior High School against the formidable gentlemen of Opoku Ware School. The two determined schools were tasked with dissecting a complex and deeply relevant motion: "Ghana's judicial system should prioritise restorative justice over punitive justice." Representing the affirmative side, Afia Kobi Ampem Girls SHS was tasked with defending the motion, arguing for a paradigm shift in how society handles offenses, while Opoku Ware School stood firmly in opposition, determined to argue against the prioritization of restorative measures.

The principal speaker for Afia Kobi Ampem Girls SHS came in strongly, setting the tone for a deeply philosophical and societal debate. She argued passionately that restorative justice offers a significantly more humane approach to correcting individuals, particularly those who have committed minor offenses. Her argument highlighted the devastating psychological impact of incarceration, warning against the lasting trauma that imprisonment can cause. Furthermore, she emphasized the detrimental social stigma associated with being tagged as an "ex-convict," arguing that such labels hinder rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Her points resonated with the audience, painting a picture of a justice system focused on healing rather than mere punishment.

In response, Opoku Ware School mounted a vigorous and unyielding defense of punitive measures, focusing their counterarguments on the necessity of strict consequences for severe crimes. Their principal speaker firmly rejected the notion that restorative justice could adequately address all forms of criminality. The core of their argument centered on public safety and the fundamental right of citizens to live without fear. He argued emphatically that society could not afford to have dangerous criminals, explicitly citing murderers as an example, freely walking the streets. The Opoku Ware team stressed that prioritizing restorative justice in such cases would create widespread fear and insecurity among the populace, undermining the very foundation of law and order.

Following a rigorous and entertaining round of counterarguments and concessional rebuttals, the judges rendered their verdict on this "royal derby." Opoku Ware School emerged victorious by a unanimous decision, securing a commanding 30-point margin of victory with a final score of 233 to 203 against Afia Kobi Ampem Girls SHS. The result officially concluded Afia Kobi Ampem's participation in the event.

"We do not fear whoever comes our way. Whoever our next opponents are, get ready for a show."

An ecstatic body of Opoku Ware students celebrated their compelling victory, speaking to JoyNews about the significance of the win. A confident student delivered a clear warning to future competitors, stating that they do not fear anyone and that their next opponents should prepare for a spectacular performance.

Ghana Beyond Aid Motion Sparks Intense Debate

The second contest for the day truly embodied the spirit of the saying, "In the arena of competition, the bold thrive and survive." Contest 8 featured two schools with a commanding presence on the floor and a relentless approach to presenting their arguments: Kumasi Academy and Konongo Odumase SHS. The debate shifted focus from the judicial system to a prominent national policy, with the provocative motion: "Ghana Beyond Aid is a Fallacy." Kumasi Academy took the stage to defend the proposition, while Konongo Odumase stood ready to oppose it, setting the stage for an intriguing and fiercely contested intellectual battle.

Without much delay, the 2026 edition of the debate was off and running. Kumasi Academy presented a series of solid points, highlighting the causalities and negative consequences resulting from the perception and unrealistic expectations surrounding the concept of Ghana being "Beyond Aid." Their debaters carefully analyzed the economic and social realities, attempting to prove that the policy framework was fundamentally flawed in its current execution.

However, Konongo Odumase SHS stood ready to call Kumasi Academy's bluff. The team from Konongo Odumase presented highly logical points of their own, meticulously dismantling the affirmative arguments. They effectively rebutted the points raised by their opponents, demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject matter and a sharp ability to identify weaknesses in Kumasi Academy's stance. The atmosphere inside the auditorium grew increasingly tense as supporters from both schools vocally supported their respective orators, hanging on every word delivered during the decisive round of rebuttals.

Ultimately, Konongo Odumase SHS sent the "AKUNINI" of Kumasi Academy packing. By a majority decision of the judges, Konongo Odumase secured the victory with a score of 231 to 213. The WDS Society of Konongo Odumase SHS expressed immense pride in their debaters, who had secured such a crucial victory. The WDS President of the school proudly declared that the determination of their school in this year's competition could not be undermined by any spirit of failure.

Looking Ahead to the Next Round

With the conclusion of Day 4, a total of eight schools have now officially punched their tickets into the next round of the tournament. The four remaining schools yet to compete will be looking forward to surviving the preliminary stage and advancing further in the competition on the final day of the preliminaries. As the debate moves forward, the stage is set for even more compelling arguments, fierce rebuttals, and unforgettable clashes between the schools' eloquent voices.

The prestigious competition is made possible through the generous support of several corporate sponsors, including Kelcharcoal Toothpaste, Didi Shito, Bigoo, The Seed Travelz, Serpo Mystical Pen, Verna Mineral Water, Jackson University College, Tamak, St. Ben Jewellery, Otuasekan Community Bank, and New Generation Investment Services.

Key highlights of the incident include:

• A swift response from emergency services.
• No major casualties reported.
• Public awareness campaigns initiated as a result.