On September 22, 2023, Junior and Senior high school students with poetical prowess, debating skills, and elocutory abilities lined up for the final showdown of “Orators” 2023.
This prestigious competition held at the Christ The King Hall, Accra, gathered some of the most talented speakers from selected public and private schools in Ghana and showcased their ability to communicate effectively.
At the end of the marathon display of eloquence and persuasive speaking skills, Miss Gota Lois Atsufe Quarcoo of Mawuli School, Ho, and Master Prassanna Chandankhede of DPS Int. were the proud recipients of the 2023 “Best Orator” awards in the Senior and Junior divisions respectively.
Key Background
The “Orators”, in its third season is a Franchise of The Academic Talent Development Programme (ATDP) Foundation in partnership with Speech Forces Organization, providing a platform for students to hone their public speaking talents and compete at a high level. This year’s event drew participants from various academic disciplines, and four students at the Junior and Senior level respectively stood out with their exceptional oratory skills.
The speakers covered a wide range of thought-provoking topics, from socio-economic, political, environmental degradation, Cyber security, Artificial Intelligence(AI), Women’s Rights, Religious education in schools, ethical dilemmas, climate change, and current affairs.
Format
“Orators” followed a single round elimination format, with successful speakers moving to the next stage of the competition while unsuccessful speakers waved bye-bye to the competition.
The competition also adhered to established debating rules, such as timed speeches and follow-up questions posed by the judges.
For the seniors, however, the last four finalists were asked to pick two topics, for which two speakers apiece advanced arguments for and against the motion.
Miss Prospera Dahamani of the KNUST SHS, Kumasi, was for the motion: “Social Media should be restricted for kids below the age of 13″, as Miss Atta-Mills of Alpha Beta Christian College spoke against the motion.
On the other side, Uriel Yeboah Afreh of Ghana Christian High Int. stood for the motion “Protests should be curtailed in a democracy” while Miss Quarcoo of Mawuli School counterpoised him.
After the allotted time of five (5) minutes to establish their case had elapsed, the speakers were allowed to ask a question, with rebuttals thereof.
Judges’ Verdict
The panel of esteemed judges, comprised award-winning journalist with Media General, Mr. Alfred Ocansey, Madam Baaba Cofie , Madam Angela Opare, and Mr. Adjetey, actor and renowned public speaker.
With a score of 50 points, and 50.6 points, the judges were unanimous in their decision to award Master Prassanna Chandankhede of DPS Int. and Miss Gota Lois Atsufe Quarcoo of Mawuli School, “Best Orator” title in the junior and senior categories respectively.
The judges commended them for their exceptional communication skills, depth of knowledge, and the ability to inspire and influence through the power of words.
Awards and Recognition
Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals were awarded to deserving orators. Miss Jasmine Onyame and Michelle Baaba Ewudziwa Brookman was adjudged the best in the prepared rounds for the seniors and juniors respectively.
For emerging tops of “Orators” 2023, Master Prassanna Chandankhede of DPS Int. Was awarded a cash prize of GHC 2000 and Miss Gota Lois Atsufe Quarcoo of Mawuli School received an all-expenses paid educational trip to the African Leadership Academy, Roodepoort, South Africa.
The package also includes coaches of the recipients.
Miss Quarcoo will in addition be offered an internship opportunity at 3fm, media partners of Orators 2023.
Some highlights of the 2023 “Orators” competition were the graceful presence of Madam Kate Addo, Head of Public Affairs Directorate of the Parliament of Ghana, and Madam Lucille Hewlett Annan of the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE).
Madam Kate Addo, an accomplished speaker shared her wealth of Public speaking engagements with the speakers and cracked useful nuggets to them.
On her part, Madam of the NCCE used the occasion to announce the formation of Civic Education Clubs in various Junior and Senior High Schools to enhance the learning of the constitution of Ghana.
The orators and the victors, not only brought honor to their schools but have also inspired fellow students to excel in the art of oratory.
We congratulate Master Prassanna Chandankhede and Miss Gota Lois Atsufe Quarcoo on this outstanding achievement and look forward to witnessing their continued success in the realm of public speaking.
The “Orators” 2023 is sponsored by Fidelity Bank, African Leadership Academy,