The Kumasi Debate Open is a Pan-African debate competition that hosts students from second-cycle institutions
to universities and professionals in their respective fields. It is hosted annually at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Kumasi. The 5th edition of this prestigious tournament happened on May 6–11, 2024.
Currently, the largest Debate Open in Africa, KDO, like all other prominent worldwide debate tournaments, adopts the British Parliamentary (BP) debate format, which is targeted at harnessing critical thinking skills and creating a platform for sharing diverse views on pertinent local, regional, and global themes. These include, but are not limited to, governance, economics, advocacy, international relations, and sports. The tournament is organized by Face Offs-KDO Inc., a registered organization operating in the Republic of Ghana, in partnership with the
AAMUSTED Debate Society
– Participation
This years edition of KDO, had participation from ;
6 African countries; Ghana, Nigeria, Togo , Kenya, Uganda and South Africa,16 universities
17 universities: KNUST, UCC, AAMUSTED, UENR , Accra Technical University, Takoradi Technical University, UDS, SDD-UBIDS, University of Ghana, University of Lagos, University of Ilorin, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, University of Calabar, Makerere University, Strathmore University , University of Fort Hare and Die Gewinner Debateing Academy.
7 Senior High Schools; Kumasi Senior High Technical, Prempeh College, Kumasi High School, Tjjaniya SHS, Oppong Memorial SHS, St. Joseph’s Seminary SHS and Anglican SHS , Kumasi.
– Social Intervention/Donation
As part of the tournament’s social intervention plan, dubbed the KDO Care Foundation, participants of the 5th KDO paid a visit to the Edwenase Rehabilitation Centre and donated items of various kinds to them. In an interview with the covener/lead organiser of the Kumasi Debate Open who doubles as the CEO of Face Offs-KDP Inc, Franco Osei-Wusu, he said “In debate rooms we always seek to protect and fight for the rights of minorities in society….We speak against stigma and discrimination. These are things we don’t just say to win trophies but are things we have chosen to put into practice. Everyone deserves love, protection, and happiness. The reason for which KDO Care was initiated”
– 5th Anniversary Excursion
As part of their 5th-anniversary celebration, the organizers of the Kumasi Debate Open took a section of their 250 participants, mostly foreigners (non-Ghanaians), on a trip to the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, to allow the experience and encounter the recount of the rich royal and cultural history of the Ashanti Kingdom.
– Awards
Debate (Mainstream Category) Champions : SirLord Oppong and Phewby Vugu (KNUST)
Debate (First years Category) Champions : Yaa Asabea Mensah & Kwasi Henaku (KNUST)
Debate (Pre-University Category) Champions : Kwabena Owusu (Prempeh College) & Mimi Adwoa Tenkorang (Kumasi Senior High Technical School)
Debate Best Judge : Joy Hadome (Alumnus, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma)
Best Debater : Ayodele Samuel (Alumnus, University of Ilorin)
Public Speaking Champion: Michael Boakye-Danquah (UCC)
Public Speaking Best Judge: Muhammed Habib (Alumnus, University of Ilorin)
– PARTNERS & SPONSORS
The tournament was partnered and supported by the Royalty Pact Debating Academy (RPDA)- Zimbabwe, The Pan African Universities Debate Championship (PAUDC) 2024 Organizing committee, Seven Minutes for Girls Initiative(7forGirls) and the AAMUSTED Debate Society.