Draft:Ghana Universities Debate Championship

Ghana Universities Debate Championship

The Ghana Universities Debate Championship (GUDC) is an annual British Parliamentary debate competition for universities across Ghana. In 2023, the winner was the duo of Kojo Acheampong and Furgurson Awuni, representing Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. History of GUDC

The inception of the GUDC can be traced back to when it was known as the GTDC. The stewardship of GUDC falls under the purview of the Ghana Universities Debate Association (GUDA). GUDA is currently presided over by Mahadi Ayiwolli Awedaga. Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu serves as the patron.

The roots of GUDA extend to the founding institutions. These institutions include the University of Development Studies, the University of Ghana, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. As of 2023, GUDA has grown to encompass several other universities, including the University of Energy and Natural Resources, SDD-UBIDS, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Accra Technical University, Takoradi Technical University, AAMUSTED, and the University of Cape Coast, all of which are active voting members in the association.

Debating Format

GUDC uses the BP debating format. The British Parliamentary (BP) debate format, is a competitive and structured form of debating that is commonly practiced at various academic institutions, including universities and colleges. In a BP debate, four teams, each consisting of two debaters, engage in a discussion on a given topic or motion. Other tournaments that use the BP Debate style worldwide are the Pan-African Universities Debate Championship and the World Universities Debating Championship.

Key features of British Parliamentary debate include: Four-Team Format: A BP debate involves two teams on each side: the "Government" and the "Opposition." Each team consists of two debaters,making it a four-team format. Impromptu Topics: Debaters receive their debate motion or topic shortly before the round begins, typically about 15 minutes in advance. This requires debaters to think quickly and respond effectively to a wide range of subjects. Time Limits: Each speech has a predetermined time limit, typically ranging  from 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the tournament rules. Debaters must adhere to these time limits.

Participating Universities


 * Accra Technical University
 * Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development
 * University of Ghana
 * University of Development Studies
 * University of Cape Coast
 * University of Energy and Natural Resources
 * Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
 * Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies
 * Zenith University College
 * Islamic university

Records at GUDC


 * KNUST has won the tournament for a record 6 times, followed by University of Ghana, 2 time champions and University of Cape Coast one time champion.


 * Jacob Johnson Attakpah and Kojo Acheampong hold the record for being two time back to back champions of GUDC.


 * Kelvin Kwabena Damptey holds the record for most appearances in the GUDC final (3).


 * Belinda Boahen holds the record for most best speaker awards(3).



Notable Alumni


 * Eric Asamoah Awuah
 * Agyepong Apreku Esq.
 * Boakye Nyamekye Isaac
 * Solomon Omani
 * Saki Sosi
 * Erasmus Segbefia
 * Joseph Mireku
 * Jacob Johnson Attakpah
 * Mylo Dadzie
 * Belinda Boahen
 * Julian M Cobinnah
 * Antonio Asinyo
 * Michael Sam
 * kalvin McQuaye Esq.