Speaking to Adom News after the victory, the Headmaster, Isaac Dzidzienyo, expressed pride in the dedication of both teachers and students.

“We are very happy. Teachers put in a lot of effort, and the students listen to them. It was not surprising that we progressed from the inter-school level to the regional stage and now to representing the Volta Region at the southern sector competition,” he said.

The competition featured schools from Ashanti, Eastern, Western, Western North, Central, Greater Accra, and Volta regions. The Headmaster highlighted that Sokode SHTS’ success proves that quality education is possible even when students are admitted with relatively lower aggregates.

“If you admit students with less impressive aggregates and within two to three years turn them into top performers who can compete with any student anywhere, then it tells you teachers are doing something right,” he stressed.

He dismissed suggestions that the school’s achievements are a matter of luck, citing a strong record of excellence. Sokode SHTS previously won the National Debate Championship in 2019 and continues to excel in both academics and sports, with graduates making significant strides at universities nationwide.

However, Dzidzienyo painted a concerning picture of the school’s infrastructure challenges. Established in 1996 as a technical institution, the school reportedly lacks a single functional workshop for vocational or technical training.

“You will be surprised — not a single workshop. For a technical school, we have no proper facilities for vocational or home economics training. Yet our students are still excelling,” he lamented.

Transportation is another major hurdle. The school’s only bus broke down years ago, forcing staff to rely on private vehicles and rented transport for competitions and academic events.

“For this recent competition, we had to depend on support from Volta Region MPs to cover transportation. We couldn’t even raise enough funds for accommodation for teachers who stayed for three days. It is pathetic,” Dzidzienyo added.

Despite these challenges, Sokode SHTS continues to produce outstanding academic results. The Headmaster highlighted a female student who placed first overall in the entrance examinations to the University for Development Studies (UDS) Medical School, alongside other students excelling in medical and tertiary admissions nationwide.

“We do not believe in examination malpractice. Our students learn and write their own exams. Wherever they go, they prove themselves,” he stated proudly.

Dzidzienyo appealed to the government, stakeholders, alumni, and benevolent organisations to support the school.

“We have the teachers who are ready to work and students who are serious and producing results. All we need is support — from government and individuals — to give these young people the facilities they deserve,” he said.

Some of the students who participated in the debate also spoke to Adom News, recounting how the encouragement and guidance of their teachers helped them emerge as the best school. They used the opportunity to make a passionate appeal to NGOs, the government, corporate institutions, and individuals to assist Sokode SHTS in overcoming its resource challenges.

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On Thursday, August 22, the IEA launched a nine-member Presidential Debate Committee to facilitate discussions with political parties in preparation for the 2024 general elections.

Chairperson of the committee, Justice Sophia Akuffo, emphasized their dedication to ensuring a debate process that encourages participation and focuses on issue-based, people-centered discussions.

In an interview, Justin Kodua highlighted the significance of these debates, stating that they provide an essential platform for political parties to present their visions and policies to the electorate.

He acknowledged that while the NPP had previously opted out of similar debates in 2014 and 2016, the party is now eager to showcase its achievements and offer voters a clear comparison of what each party brings to the table.

“The reason we are interested in this debate is to articulate the vision our flagbearer has been sharing across the country for the next four years. Although we did not participate in 2014 and 2016 for specific reasons, this time, the party is ready for any debate. We believe that as a nation, we have made progress, and Ghanaians need to see which party presents the best and most credible manifesto,” he said on Channel One News.

Meanwhile, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed hesitation to participate, citing dissatisfaction with the IEA’s approach.

The Mahama 2024 campaign team criticized the IEA for not consulting the NDC before announcing the debates, deeming the move unacceptable.

Despite this, the IEA is determined to proceed with the debate process, even if the NDC chooses not to participate.

Source: Adomonline

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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) had previously declared its intention not to participate in the debate, citing a lack of prior consultation.

However, in an interview, Dr. Ayim-Darke expressed optimism, noting that discussions are ongoing to encourage all qualified candidates to take part in the debate.

“We are in active engagement with the political parties, and we believe that at the right time, we will clearly state our position. The IEA has a long history of organizing these debates.

“There have been instances where some political parties did not respond to the invitation, yet the IEA proceeded with the debates. We trust that when the time comes, the situation will naturally evolve.

“History is on our side, and we remain committed to engaging with all political parties. We strongly believe that those who aspire to govern must be willing to subject themselves to scrutiny by the citizens. Our doors remain open for further engagement,” he told Citi News.

Source: Adomonline

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His comments come in response to the refusal by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to allow its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama to engage in a debate with Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

The NDC insists their flagbearer will engage in a debate only after Dr Bawumia holds a media engagement.

But Dr Amoah argues that, during the NPP flagbearer’s tour across the country, the media is always present to convey his messages.

The MP, who doubles as Deputy Finance Minister, insists that this was also a form of media engagement; hence, he did not understand the NDC’s demands.

“Every body has his campaign strategy. Bawumia, I know at all times can and probably will engage the media the way he wants to. But he is already engaging the public, the space in which the media is a critical member,” he said on JoyNews’ Newsfile on July 27.

The Deputy Finance Minister argued that the basis of the debate is to determine which flagbearer is better than the other. Hence, if Dr Bawumia is insisting on a one-on-one debate, he hasn’t done anything wrong.

Meanwhile, Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana, Godfred Bokpin believes Dr Bawumia needs a debate with the opposition candidate, more than Mr. Mahama needs it.

According to him, it will do more good than harm to his election bid.

“They know what they are doing. They look at it from a more strategic fit,” Prof. Bokpin said while referencing the campaign strategies of the NPP.

“They have strategists, they do all the analysis. So, if you see Dr Bawumia calling for it, he needs it more,” Prof Bokpin said.

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Dr. Bawumia has challenged Mr. Mahama to a debate ahead of the December polls, but the 2024 Mahama Campaign Team has declined the offer.

They argue that there’s nothing left to debate about the economy and insist that Mahama does not need a debate to sell his message.

On Wednesday, July 24, the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin in Parliament reiterated the call for Mr. Mahama to accept a debate invitation from Dr. Bawumia.

He argued that such a debate would give Ghanaians an opportunity to compare the two parties’ economic management capabilities.

However, Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson dismissed the idea, likening Dr Bawumia to a “driver’s mate” unqualified to debate an “experienced driver” like Mr Mahama.

“Mr. Speaker, as the saying goes, monkeys play by their sizes. Mr. Speaker, how can a driver’s mate debate an experienced driver? In this house, the spokesperson for the Minority on finance matters is Honorable Adongo.

“The spokesperson for the Minority on economic issues is Honorable Kwaku Ricketts-Hagan, and the spokesperson for the budget is Honorable Ampem Darko.

“Mr. Speaker, we all know that the Chairman of the Economic Management Team is the Vice President, so the Vice President should debate Honorable Adongo or Honorable Ricketts-Hagan.

“A driver’s mate cannot debate an experienced driver. That is a fact. We challenge him to debate Honorable Adongo first, then Honorable Ampem Darko, and finally Honorable Ricketts-Hagan before considering debating former President John Mahama,” he stated.

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Mr. Gbande argued that, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is not a credible candidate to debate NDC flagbearer, former President John Mahama.

“Bawumia was overhyped and lacks the credibility to debate Mahama. He is running away from the economic mess he helped create. If he and his team have copied our programs and engaged constituencies, they should use that platform to account to the people” he said.

The NDC deputy General Secretary also accused Dr. Bawumia of intellectual dishonesty.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if his doctoral title is stripped away due to his dishonesty. He has lied about various issues, and someone like him cannot be allowed to debate Mahama” he said in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Friday.

He however criticized the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) for not consulting the NDC before announcing the debates.

GBANDE ON IEA

But Nana B, reacting to the development on the same show, argued that there is no reason to fear the debate.

“The IEA has not even set a date, so why should we be afraid? The debate will expose them,” Nana B said.

He dismissed claims that Mr. Mahama is unprepared for the debate.

“Mahama should come and account to Ghanaians. The debate is a platform where he must defend his record. We have made significant improvements in the economy, and we are ready to defend our achievements”.

To him, the former President is running away from the debate because Dr. Bawumia will expose his incompetence.

“The NPP has transformed the economy, and the NDC cannot match our progress. We are focused and Bawumia is prepared to present his vision” he added.

NANA B ON IEA

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The event is being organised by Adom TV, Adom 106.3 FM, Nyhira 104.5 FM, Asempa 94.7 FM and Adomonline as part of the full package of Multimedia’s acclaimed Election Headquarters (#ElectionHQ).

The event is currently underway at the Accra Metropolitan Assemblies’ Conference room and is live on Adom TV, social media and other major platforms.

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The event is being hosted by Philip Osei Bonsu, popularly known as OB of Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen fame and Akua Boakyewaa Yiadom (ABY) of Burning Issues on Adom FM.

The two are expected to help peruse the policies and commitment of candidates to inform Ghanaians on why they should vote for them in the December 2020 election.

Participants present for the debate are Ghana Freedom Party leader, Madam Akua Donkor, All People’s Congress’ Hassan Ayariga and Kofi Akpaloo of Liberal People’s Party.

According to the former President, Ghanaians will benefit from the debate, hence the need for the incumbent President to step forward for it.

“Our people need to test our leaders on how grounded they are on their promises. It was first about infrastructure but now we have our manifestos.

“He said the 2020 election will be based on track record but it is sad and unfortunate they have declined,” he said on Accra-based Class FM, monitored by Adomonline.com.

Mr Mahama added that he has never run away from a debate with President Akufo-Addo and will urge him to ignore Sammi Awuku and other people advising him not to come for the debate.

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“They want to create an impression that I declined a debate in 2016 but I was the first presidential candidate to honour a debate in 2012.

“For the EIA debate, I declined because we had issues with the institute so he should boldly come out,” he reiterated.

Mr Mahama first threw the debate challenge when addressing party supporters at Ketu South during a tour in the region.

 This was two days after the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, enumerated infrastructural projects undertaken by the current government.