Accra: Osei Adutwum Senior High School (OSASS) has clinched the top spot in a hotly contested debate competition for Senior High Schools in the Bosomtwe District. They succeeded in proving their prowess on the thought-provoking topic: 'Is Mining a Sustainable Pathway to Economic Development?'
According to Ghana News Agency, Bosomtwe Girls STEM Senior High School took a close second place, while Tetrefu Technical Institute secured the third position. Other participating schools included the Jachie Pramso Senior High School, Bosomtwe STEM Academy, Konkoma Technical Institute, Beposo Senior High School, St. George's Senior High School, Oyoko Community Senior High School, and the St. Michael Technical/Vocational Institute.
The intellectually charged event was organised by Nana Yaw Osei Adutwum Junior, son of the former Minister for Education, in collaboration with the District Education Directorate. It formed part of his personal school project. The atmosphere was electric as students, peers, and supporters cheered passionately, while contestants delivered persuasive arguments for and against the motion.
Each participant received a certificate, while the top three schools walked away with cash prizes in recognition of their outstanding performances. Mr Adutwum Junior lauded the debaters for their intelligence, research skills, and maturity, noting that they had proven young people could contribute meaningfully to critical national conversations such as the future of mining in Ghana.
He urged the students to remain focused and ambitious, reminding them that their dreams could help shape Ghana's human capital for the future. Speaking to the media, Mr Adutwum explained that the debate was inspired by his ongoing 4,000-word research paper on mining, with a special focus on small and large-scale mining in Ghana.
He said Ghana had many pressing issues, but mining, especially its impact on his community, remains dear to his heart, adding that he felt a debate would bring diverse perspectives to enrich his project. Beyond enriching his research, the platform also empowered students to speak out against illegal mining and to advocate for sustainable practices in the sector, he said.
Mr Adutwum said the event did not only celebrate academic excellence but also showcased the potential of young minds to engage in issues shaping Ghana's future.