Oobakɛ!

 Wɔ gbɛjɛ lɛ. You are welcome.

In the Ga tradition, welcome is not an empty word. It is an embrace of spirit and belonging. It tells you that you have come to a place where your presence matters. Today, Accra Technical University opens its gates to the entire nation for the Ghana Universities Debate Championship, Hewale 2025.

The elders of Ga Mashie say, “Niitso yɛ lɛ ni gbɛi mli.” Wisdom lives among the people. Debate has always lived with us. Before schools and microphones, our ancestors gathered beneath the almond tree to speak and to listen. When disputes arose, they settled them with words, not with weapons. The talking drum carried messages, and the town crier spoke truth before the chiefs. It was through the discipline of speech that peace was made.

That is why Hewale is a fitting name for this championship. Hewale means strength. It is not only the strength of muscle, but the strength of thought, of courage, of patience, and of understanding. It reminds us that power without wisdom is emptiness, and that true leadership begins in conversation.

Accra is a city of words. From the markets of Makola to the shores of Jamestown, people trade ideas as easily as they trade goods. We believe that speech is sacred. To speak is to live, and to listen is to honour life itself. That is the spirit that fills these halls today.

To every student who will rise to argue, speak with respect. Let your words be sharp with reason and gentle with truth. To every judge, listen with care and fairness. To every organizer and volunteer, your effort is the hidden pillar on which this gathering stands.

From Korle Gonno to Osu, from La to Teshie, the people of Ga Mashie join in saying, Nɔɔ mi. Wɔ gbɛjɛ lɛ, Oobakɛ. You are welcome.

Open Champions: UENR C (Dennis Boateng Amankwah & Godfred Akomaning) on a 4-3 split 

Novice Champions: UENR B (Desmark Oppong & Karen Adjeiwaa) on a 3-2 split