Afigyaman, OKESS Advance to Round of 16 in Thrilling LUV FM High School Debate Finals

The 2026 LUV FM Kel Charcoal Toothpaste High School Debate reached an exciting crescendo on Friday as Afigyaman SHS and Osei Kyeretwie SHS (OKESS) booked their places in the Round of 16, each delivering contrasting performances that illustrated the depth of talent in Ghana's secondary school debate circuit.

Afigyaman SHS, competing in their debut campaign, edged debutant rivals New Edubiase SHS by the narrowest of margins—just four points—in a closely contested affair that exemplified the intensity of the preliminary stage. Meanwhile, OKESS dominated Oppon Memorial SHS (OMESS) with a commanding 248–204 victory, demonstrating the tactical sharpness required to advance further in the competition.

A Nail-Biting Debut for Afigyaman

Afigyaman's passage came through their affirmative argument on the motion: "Tablets supplied by the government to students in SHS should be withdrawn." The school's debaters contended that government resources would be better spent addressing critical infrastructure deficits and ensuring access to essential learning materials like textbooks, which many students still lack.

New Edubiase mounted a robust counter-argument, forcing Afigyaman to defend their position rigorously through multiple rounds of rebuttal. The final tally of 227–223 underscored how closely matched both teams were, yet highlighted the importance of precision and persuasion in debate. After the contest, Afigyaman's team issued a confident statement: "It may be our first time, but we have prepared adequately and we are here to make a statement."

New Edubiase's performance, despite losing, proved valuable. Their 223-point haul qualified them as one of the two highest-scoring non-winning schools under the competition's mercy rule, earning them a second-chance lifeline into the knockout stage alongside Anglican SHS.

OKESS Dominates Free Speech Debate

In the final preliminary contest, OKESS faced OMESS on whether "The Concept of Free Speech is Dead on Arrival of a New Government." OKESS argued affirmatively, drawing on the reality that changes in government frequently introduce new laws and policies that can constrain citizens' practical ability to exercise free speech.

OMESS countered by emphasising constitutional protections and existing legal safeguards that prevent government transitions from simply dismantling fundamental freedoms. However, OKESS's debaters strengthened their case by citing real-world examples of how government regulations and policies shape the boundaries of free expression in practice. The school maintained control through the final rebuttal phase to clinch a decisive 248–204 victory, prompting celebrations in their camp. One trainer noted: "As 'AHENEMMA', this was only but a deserving victory."

What This Means for Ghana's Debate Season

The conclusion of the preliminary stage marks a significant milestone in the 2026 competition. With eight schools now confirmed for the Round of 16—including defending champions Prempeh College—the competition enters a phase where debate quality is expected to escalate sharply. The knockout format demands more than compelling arguments; schools must now demonstrate research depth, tactical composure, advanced rebuttal techniques and strategic adaptability to survive.

The preliminary round has revealed the emergence of fresh talent, particularly from debutant schools like Afigyaman that are immediately competitive at a national level. Simultaneously, established powerhouses like Prempeh College's presence signals the intensity that awaits in subsequent rounds. As the field narrows, the margin between victory and elimination tightens—every point, every rebuttal and every strategic decision could determine which school advances and which campaign concludes.

The 2026 LUV FM Kel Charcoal Toothpaste High School Debate continues to strengthen Ghana's tradition of youth public speaking and critical thinking, providing a platform where secondary students develop the argumentative and research skills essential for higher education and professional success.