By: Maltiti Sayida Sadick
The 2025 National Girls’ Speech and Debate Championship (NGSDC) launched in the capital Accra with a stirring opening ceremony that placed the spotlight firmly on girl empowerment, purpose-driven leadership, and the power of voice. The event, brought together students, educators, policymakers, and development partners in a shared mission to elevate the voices of young Ghanaian girls.
Founder of the NGSDC, Dora Badu Acheampong, delivered an inspiring keynote address, welcoming the top 16 qualifying schools into what she described as “a platform where bold and brilliant young women come not just to compete, but to learn, to lead, to inspire, and to reclaim their future.”
“You’ve earned your place among the top 16 schools in this year’s National Girls’ Speech and Debate Championship,” she said. “This is no small feat… That is proof of your academic strength and drive.”
Acheampong stressed the theme of this year’s championship—“Her Voice, Her Choice, Her Future”—not just as a slogan but a heartfelt call to action. “At the core of this championship is a powerful belief: that when girls speak, the world must listen. That their voices matter. Their choices matter. Their futures matter,” she emphasized.
The opening ceremony also featured remarks from notable guests including Ms. Richlove Animah Berchie, representing the Honourable Minister for Education, and Dr. Osman Tahidu Damba, Secretary-General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO. Both reiterated the need for national platforms that uplift girls and ensure they play central roles in the country’s development.
A key highlight was a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “The Youth’s Future Conversation,” featuring journalist and UNESCO Deputy Secretary General Dr. Naazia Ibrahim, media personality Ayisha Yakubu, civic leader Mrs. Gifty M. Dumelo, and student debater Francisca Odoom from Gomoa SHTS. The panel explored youth mindset, social media influence, discipline, and the urgent need for young people to find and pursue purpose early in life.
Acheampong also tackled pressing issues affecting girls in schools—including bullying, peer pressure, and the harmful effects of social media trends. She recounted the story of a young girl who began wearing a face mask to hide her face after being bullied for her appearance.
“Words can build, but they can also break,” Acheampong warned. “To those who mock, insult, or belittle your classmates—please stop. You may not realize the damage a single cruel sentence can do.”
She urged students to resist negative peer pressure, especially around early sexual relationships and social media challenges, stating clearly: “You do not need to fit in to matter. You do not need validation from others to have value.”
The founder’s message concluded with a rallying cry that echoed through the auditorium:
“NGSDC!” — “Educate, Empower, Encourage!”
Organisers expressed gratitude to corporate sponsors and partners whose support continues to make the championship possible. “You are the unseen champions behind NGSDC,” Acheampong noted. “Your investment in the future of these young women is invaluable.”
As the championship gets underway, the message is clear: girls in Ghana have a voice—and platforms like NGSDC are here to ensure the nation listens.
