Accra: Four senior high schools are bracing for a highly anticipated debate competition as part of the 22nd Ghana International Book Fair (GIBF), scheduled for August 20-23, 2025, at the National Theatre, in Accra. The schools participating in the 5th GPA-Afram Publications Inter-Schools' Debate are Tema, Okuapeman, Swedru, and Winneba Senior High Schools.

According to Ghana News Agency, the debate seeks to spotlight challenges such as copyright infringement, illegal mining, and indiscipline in schools, and is being organised by the Ghana Publishers Association (GPA) in collaboration with Afram Publications Ghana Limited. This year's fair is themed 'Inclusive Publishing, Celebrating Accessible Literature.'

Each school will be represented by a five-member team. During a balloting session held on June 23, the schools were grouped into two for the preliminary contests. Swedru SHS and Winneba SHS, in Group A, will debate the issue of illegal mining. Winneba SHS will argue in favour of the motion: 'The devastating effect of illegal mining (galamsey) on the environment is due to non-implementation of appropriate policies,' while Swedru SHS will oppose it. Tema SHS and Okuapeman SHS, in Group B, will take on the motion: 'Indiscipline in schools is a result of deficiencies in the school curriculum.' Tema SHS will support the statement, while Okuapeman SHS will argue against it.

Winners from each group will progress to the grand finale to debate the headline motion: 'The publishing industry has been adversely affected by the lack of copyright enforcement: Are authors and publishers deserving of copyright protection?' The focus on copyright is particularly timely, the organisers assert, quoting South African poet and philosopher Dr Gift Gugu Mona: 'God holds the copyright, as the sole author of life.' This, according to the organisers, underscores the importance of respecting the intellectual rights of creators and protecting the work of authors and publishers.

The Board Chairperson of Afram Publications, Professor Esi Sutherland-Addy, said the debate was part of a broader strategy to build ethical, knowledgeable, and socially responsible students. 'The idea is that we will have well-rounded personalities who are not just passing exams,' she explained, 'but who have interest in a wide range of topics and are able to contribute to society and take action based on strong ethical principles.' She added: 'We need a population that appreciates fun and is able to compete fairly and learn to accept both victory and defeat.'

Ms Harriet Adelaide Tagoe, Managing Director of Afram Publications, described the selected topics as relevant to national development. She encouraged students to prepare thoroughly. 'We believe the topics selected would influence decision making,' she said. Quoting former US President John F. Kennedy, she reminded participants that: 'Without debate, without criticism, no administration and no country can succeed.'

Winners of the debate will receive plaques, desktop computers, and access to reading and writing workshops. All participating schools will also be awarded books and other learning materials. Professor Sutherland-Addy called on schools and student-led clubs to promote the culture of debating. 'Debating requires that you search for knowledge, analyse it, develop coherent arguments, work in a team, and participate in healthy competition,' she stated. Mr Asare Konadu Yamoah, Chairman of the GIBF Planning Committee and President of the GPA, applauded Afram Publications for sponsoring the debate. He urged the participating schools to rally support from their alumni and make the programme a memorable one.