By Lucy Mawufemor Kpeglo
Former NSMQ contestant from Presec-Legon, Joel Kwodzo Yayra Aboagye, has been ranked the Best Speaker in Africa after reaching the final as part of the University of Ghana team at the 2025 Pan-African Universities Debate Championship (PAUDC) in South Africa. His team, partnered with Jedidiah Kwame Henaku-Budu, won the championship.
This year’s PAUDC brought together 107 teams from 56 institutions across 11 African countries, making the victory a major milestone for the University of Ghana and a standout personal achievement for Aboagye, who continues to build on his national reputation from the National Science and Maths Quiz.
The University of Ghana recorded one of its best results in recent years. All five teams from the institution advanced from the preliminary rounds, with four reaching the quarterfinals and two the semifinals before the winning team secured the final victory.
UG also dominated the individual rankings. Henaku-Budu placed 4th, Ann Aseye Donya placed 5th, and Andrew Kwasi Kattah placed 10th among the top speakers on the continent. In public speaking, Aboagye placed 3rd while Kattah placed 4th, with most of the university’s participants advancing to the later stages.
The institution also performed strongly in adjudication. Daniella Cofie advanced as an adjudicator and placed 3rd in Public Speaking Adjudication.
Alumni member Emmanuella Gyimah was named Best Public Speaking Adjudicator and 6th Best Debate Adjudicator, while Clement Odjidja Odjao and Daniella Cofie judged the Public Speaking Grand Final.
The victory adds to the University of Ghana’s growing reputation in international debating and marks a significant personal achievement for Aboagye, who has risen from a celebrated high school competitor to one of Africa’s leading young debaters.
