By Vivian Amoah
Afram Publications Limited, in collaboration with the Ghana Publishers Association, hosted an Inter-Schools Debate on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the National Theatre in Accra as part of activities marking the 22nd Ghana International Book Fair (GIBF).
The debate, which starts at 12:30 p.m., features students from Tema Senior High School, Okuapeman Senior High School, Swedru Senior High School, and Winneba Senior High School, with each school represented by five debaters.
Under the theme “Inclusive Publishing, Celebrating Accessible Literature,” the contest aims to sharpen students’ communication skills, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage innovative solutions to pressing national issues.
The competition groups the schools into two categories. In Group A, Swedru SHS faces Winneba SHS on the motion: “The devastating effect of illegal mining (galamsey) on the environment is due to non-implementation of appropriate policies.” Swedru SHS argues against the motion, while Winneba SHS argues in favour.
In Group B, Tema SHS battles Okuapeman SHS on the motion: “Indiscipline in schools is a result of deficiencies in the school curriculum. Do you agree?”
The winners from Groups A and B then advance to the final stage to debate the overarching motion: “The publishing industry has been adversely affected by the lack of copyright enforcement: Are authors and publishers deserving of copyright protection?”
Organisers say the initiative provides a platform for young people to exchange ideas on national challenges while highlighting the importance of copyright in the publishing industry.
The 22nd edition of the Ghana International Book Fair runs from August 20–23, 2025, bringing together publishers, authors, students, and stakeholders in the literary space.
