Accra: The 2025 edition of the National Public Speaking Competition has officially been launched in Accra, spotlighting the theme: 'Sexual and Reproductive Health of the Adolescent Child.'
According to Ghana News Agency, this year's competition is held under the patronage of the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin. It aims to harness the creativity and intellect of Ghanaian youth to address pressing national issues through confident and informed public discourse.
The launch event, hosted at Parliament House on Thursday, October 30, was performed by Mr. Peter Kwasi Nortsui-Kotoe, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, who represented the Speaker of Parliament.
In his remarks, Mr. Nortsui-Kotoe, also the Member of Parliament for Akatsi North, emphasised the competition's role in empowering young people to become vocal advocates against sexual abuse, promote justice, and foster dialogue within their communities.
Organized by Deedee Global and Partners in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education, the initiative seeks to elevate civic engagement among adolescents while promoting socio-economic development through youth-led advocacy.
The launch drew participation from several senior high schools, including Presec Legon, Keta Senior Technical High School, Accra Academy, Saint Mary's Boys School, Accra Wesley Girls' High School, and Mpraeso Senior High School.
These institutions would serve as key platforms for nurturing articulate and socially conscious students to speak confidently on national issues.
Professor Smile Gavua Dzisi, Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service in charge of Management Services, expressed concern over the rising trend of unprotected sexual activity among adolescents, which had led to increased cases of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
She called for a multi-sectoral approach to address gender-based sexual violence, stressing the importance of civic education and awareness campaigns.
As the competition unfolds, it promises to be a transformative experience for participants, offering them not only a stage to speak but also a mission to lead change in their communities.
