Twenty Senior High Schools in the Ashanti Region are set to compete in the eighth edition of the LUV FM High School Debate, powered by Kelcharcoal, starting on Monday, August 10, 2026. This annual intellectual competition is a platform for developing young people beyond the classroom, and the stakes are high as the top 20 schools from across the region face off to demonstrate their skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Schools Gear Up for the Big Debate
The LUV FM High School Debate has grown in stature and impact over the years, attracting more than 100 schools to preliminary contests held across the region. The schools were grouped into zones during the preliminary phase, with the top 20 emerging as finalists after a series of competitive debates. These schools will now compete by demonstrating their skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork, with judges assessing participants based on the structure and clarity of arguments, presentation skills, technical accuracy, and overall delivery.
Partnership and Sponsorship Drive the Competition
The debate has also become a platform for partnerships and sponsorships, with several companies and institutions backing the event. This year's edition is sponsored by Kelcharcoal toothpaste, Didi Shito, Bigoo, The Seed Travelz, Serpo Mystical Pen, Verna Mineral Water, Jackson University College, Tamak, St. Ben Jewelry, Otuasekan Community Bank, and New Generation Investment Services. The partnership between the Ashanti Regional Students' Council and LUV FM has helped create opportunities for students to develop their communication skills, says Regional SRC President, Hope Arthur James.
Judges to Focus on Technical Strength of Arguments
The judging process this year will focus more on the technical strength of arguments, according to Lead Judge and Senior Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Department of English, Dr. Peter Arthur. He explained that participants will be assessed beyond emotional appeal, with emphasis placed on logic, organisation, and evidence-based presentations. "This year, we will look out for technicalities and focus also on the structure of arguments rather than emotions," Dr. Arthur said. "The expectation is very high. They are smart, and so it leaves us with a lot to expect."
Empowering Young People Beyond the Classroom
The LUV FM High School Debate remains committed to nurturing young talents and providing students with a platform to sharpen skills that are essential for leadership and national development. Relationship Manager at LUV FM, Maxwell Frimpong-Manso, said the competition has grown into an important platform for developing young people beyond the classroom. "While only one school will be crowned, every participant will leave with valuable knowledge and confidence," he said. The competition is a training ground for students, and organisers are asking more schools to join future editions to take advantage of gaining knowledge, confidence, and boldness to face challenges in life.
The LUV FM High School Debate is set to begin on Monday, August 10, 2026, and will run for several weeks. The competition is expected to be fierce, with the top 20 schools from across the Ashanti Region vying for the ultimate prize. As the debate begins, one thing is clear – the future of leadership and national development is in the hands of these young people, and the LUV FM High School Debate is empowering them to take on the challenges ahead.
Source: Joy Online
