The halls of the University of Health and Allied Sciences echo with a newfound resonance, the triumphant chorus of victory. Not from the sterile silence of a lab, but from the electrifying arena of debate, where UHAS has etched its name in African history.
On November 4 and 5, 2023, the prestigious African Nations Debate League (ANDL) unfolded, pitting the continent’s finest minds against each other in a passionate clash of ideas. Representing Ghana with unwavering spirit was Ghana AE, made up of a formidable duo from UHAS, Eziel Weitzmann Duku Johnson (Sixth Year Doctor of Pharmacy student) and Archimedes Kwesi Donkor (Fifth Year Medical student).
As the dust settled from the preliminary rounds, Ghana AE stood tall amongst the top four, securing a place in the grand finale. The air crackled with anticipation as they faced off against the best minds from Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya; and, in a display of breathtaking eloquence and intellectual firepower, Ghana AE emerged victorious, claiming the coveted ANDL trophy.
This historic feat marks a watershed moment for UHAS, propelling its debate society to the forefront of the continental stage. No longer solely a beacon of medical excellence, UHAS has established itself as a breeding ground for intellectual giants, proving that the pursuit of knowledge transcends the boundaries of discipline.
The triumphant duo: Ghana AE
Their journey through the league was a masterclass in intellectual prowess and strategic agility. Five grueling preliminary rounds saw them navigate a diverse landscape of topics, from the philosophical intricacies of free will to the economic intricacies of cryptocurrency. Each debate was a testament to their meticulous research, razor-sharp wit, and unwavering conviction.
Beyond the collective glory, individual accolades showered upon Ghana AE. Archimedes and Eziel were recognized as the Third and Fourth Best Speakers of the tournament, respectively, further solidifying their individual brilliance. Their achievement is a testament to the exceptional training and mentorship fostered within the UHAS debate society, a nurturing environment that empowers students to hone their critical thinking, research skills, and powers of persuasion.
UHAS: A crucible of champions
The ANDL victory is not an isolated triumph, but the culmination of a sustained commitment to excellence within the UHAS debate society. With a rich history of nurturing future leaders and fostering intellectual discourse, the society has consistently produced top performers in national and international competitions.
This dedication is reflected in the unwavering support provided by the University administration. Recognizing the transformative power of debate, UHAS has created an environment that empowers students to explore diverse perspectives, challenge assumptions, and develop the critical thinking skills essential for success in any field.
A Legacy forged in fire
The echoes of Ghana AE’s victory will resonate through the corridors of UHAS for years to come. It is a legacy not just of intellectual prowess, but of unwavering determination, a testament to the power of collaboration and the transformative potential of education. As UHAS basks in the glow of this historic achievement, one thing is certain: the pursuit of knowledge and the quest for excellence will continue to be the driving force behind this remarkable institution.
This victory is not just for UHAS, but for Ghana, a beacon of hope and inspiration for a generation of young minds to embrace the power of debate and strive for intellectual excellence. As Ghana AE takes its rightful place amongst the continent's debate champions, UHAS stands proud, its reputation as a crucible of intellectual champions firmly established.
Let the echoes of this victory continue to inspire, and may the halls of UHAS forever resonate with the vibrant symphony of debate!