KNUST, UG, others gear up for Independence Day debate on March 5

On March 5th, 2024, representatives from four prominent public universities in Ghana—University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Cape Coast, and University of Development Studies—will engage in a spirited debate at the University of Ghana School of Law Auditorium.

The debate, themed “Africa Must Decolonise to Effectively Address the Scourge of Climate Change,” is part of Ghana’s Independence Day celebrations.

Organized jointly by the University of Edinburgh School of Social & Political Science, University of Ghana School of Law, Africa Earth Alliance, and the National Union of Ghana Students, the National Independence Debate aims to showcase youth perspectives on decolonization, climate change, and sustainable development.

Esteemed judges include Prof. Baffour Agyeman-Duah, Dr. Kwabena Oteng Acheampong, Dr. Atudiwe P. Atupare, Mrs. Julia Elysa Selman-Aryeetey, and Mr. Daniel Kyeremeh Oppong.

The event, funded by the University of Edinburgh Principal’s African Partnership Fund, aligns with the University of Edinburgh’s commitment to fostering informed leaders shaping the future.

This collaborative initiative forms part of a series of events between the UK-based university and institutions in Ghana and Zimbabwe.

Before the debate, a “Responsive Engagement and Academic Leadership” workshop is scheduled in Accra on March 4th and 5th, 2024. Additionally, an “Empowering African Researchers – Workshop” will be held in Harare, Zimbabwe, from March 11th to 15th, 2024.

These events aim to bring together academics, students, Pan-African institutions, and policy leaders to deliberate on critical subjects like climate change and sustainability, incorporating a decolonial perspective.

Initiated in March 2023 during a visit to Ghana, the University of Edinburgh’s Principal’s African Partnership Fund seeks to explore innovative educational opportunities for African students and foster responsive research partnerships across the continent.

Aligned with the University’s strategic research priorities, the fund aims to drive innovations in healthcare, technology utilization, and environmental sustainability.