The Volta Region stage of the National Public Speaking competition has been held at Sogakope Senior High School, bringing together students to engage in thought-provoking discussions on drug abuse, prevention, mental health, and national development. The competition featured a series of contests centred on pressing challenges surrounding substance abuse among young people and possible interventions to address them. This initiative aims to equip students with knowledge and communication skills while creating meaningful conversations around drug prevention and the wellbeing of young people.
The competition consisted of three contests, each focusing on specific topics related to drug abuse and prevention. In the first contest, participants discussed “A Drug-Free Generation: Dream or Possibility?” and “Early Intervention: The Missing Link in Drug Prevention.” The second contest examined “Substance Abuse and School Dropout: Breaking a Cycle Before It Begins” and “Compulsory Drug Education as a National Investment.” The final contest focused on “Mental Health Neglect is Creating Addiction for Tomorrow’s Addicts” and “Drug Prevention as a National Development Priority.”
At the end of the regional competition, Awudome SHS, Dzodze Penyi SHS, and Keta SHTS emerged as the schools that qualified to represent the Volta Region at the next stage of the competition. The judges commended the students for their impressive presentations, depth of thought, and ability to engage critically with complex social issues. They also praised the organisers for providing a platform that encourages young people to speak confidently and critically about issues affecting their generation.
The event highlighted the importance of equipping students with knowledge and communication skills while creating meaningful conversations around drug prevention and the wellbeing of young people. The competition provided a platform for students to express their opinions and engage in discussions on pressing social issues. The organisers were praised for their efforts in promoting critical thinking and confident public speaking among young people.
The Volta Region stage of the National Public Speaking competition was reported by Florence Ahordagbe on 28 September 2026. The event was covered by Joy FM, a leading Ghanaian media outlet. The competition is part of a larger initiative to promote national development and address social issues affecting young people.
The judges' positive feedback on the students' performances suggests that the competition was successful in achieving its objectives. The event demonstrated the potential of young people to engage critically with complex social issues and express their opinions confidently. The competition is expected to continue to the next stage, with the participating schools representing the Volta Region.
The National Public Speaking competition is an important initiative that aims to promote critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership skills among young people. The event's focus on drug abuse and prevention highlights the need for awareness and education on these issues. By providing a platform for students to engage in discussions on pressing social issues, the competition is helping to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact in their communities.
Key points
- The Volta Region stage of the National Public Speaking competition focused on drug abuse, prevention, and national development.
- Three schools from the Volta Region qualified to represent the region at the next stage of the competition.
- The event aimed to equip students with knowledge and communication skills while creating meaningful conversations around drug prevention and the wellbeing of young people.
