It's a wrap!: The journey from discovering our voices to becoming global leaders.
As we step into the next phase armed with these invaluable tools, we embark on a journey promising continued growth, success, and a meaningful impact on the world around us.
Mark Twain was right on the mark when he said; “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do”. This was our motivation to stop wishing and start doing. The official trials for the 2023 Team Ghana was in December, 2022. After intense trials and rounds of critical thinking, the pivotal moment came on Tuesday, December 27 2023, when we eagerly embraced emails welcoming us to the esteemed national team.
Excitement soared, but so did the challenge of proving ourselves among a group of exceptionally talented individuals. Our meeting sessions became a melting pot for growth, moving between the familiar halls of the University of Ghana, Legon and the virtual realm of Zoom. Balme Library and the Physics Department in Legon witnessed the lively ebb and flow of debates, where friendships and knowledge exchange thrived.
Golda, member of Team Ghana 2023 at the national trials
Tournaments like the World Schools Debate Championship in Vietnam and the NSDA tournament in Phoenix, Arizona, tested our skills on the global stage. The Easter's Debate Cup and Accra Open brought us back home, facing high-level university debaters. These experiences showcased Team Ghana’s versatility, navigating the intricacies of both local and global competitions.
Teamwork, a two-edged sword, revealed its challenges and rewards. Collaborating with passionate debaters meant wrestling with a mix of ideas, striving to harmonize diverse perspectives. Disappointments struck, demanding resilience and adaptability. Yet, within these challenges emerged the beauty of shared ideas, the strength found in collective efforts, and a profound understanding of different viewpoints.
Some members of the team with their new friends in Phoenix, Arizona
As we navigated debates, from stumbles to the occasional tear, the bonds within Team Ghana became the key to our success. In view of our journey, each individual’s story wove together, creating a narrative that surpassed the mere pursuit of victory. Through the strength of teamwork, we did not only refined our debating skills but also emerged as a tight-knit unit, resilient in the face of challenges, and united in celebrating our triumphs.
Our gratitude extends to our coaches, Eric Asamoah Awuah and Elisha Owusu Akyaw, who tirelessly guided us through the intricacies of debates. A special thanks to our team manager, Abena Achiaa Otuo, and the additional support from individuals like Andrews Terkpetey and Erasmus Segbefia, who contributed to our training and growth. We appreciate everyone who played a role in shaping our debating journey.
Members of the team in Hanoi, Vietnam
The skills honed in debates including critical thinking and effective communication are not just tools for podium success; they are our compass in the territories beyond the debating arena. Graduation marks not just an end, but a beginning of an opportunity to apply our acquired skills in new chapters of life. In essence, our debating adventure has prepared us for the future. As we step into the next phase armed with these invaluable tools, we embark on a journey promising continued growth, success, and a meaningful impact on the world around us.
Signed Out,
Nana Yaa Asantewaa,
On behalf of the 2023 Squad
