The University of Ghana Debate Team has been adjudged winners of the inter-tertiary debate on corruption organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) as part of this year’s National Anti-Corruption and Transparency Week celebrations.
They beat their counterparts from the Central University, Islamic University College, and Accra Technical Universtiy in the debate on the motion: “Which of these will you prioritise and why: The Special Prosecutor or Right to Information Law”.
The debate was held at the University of Ghana’s Balme Library Seminar Room on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 with over 200 guests in attendance.
The overreaching theme for the debate was “Empowering the Youth in the Fight Against Corruption”.
The aim of the debate was to raise awareness on corruption among the youth and engage them to suggest policy recommendations on how to curb the canker.
The University of Ghana was represented by Level 400 Political Science students; Emmanuel Gerald Arhin and Fareed Gombilla who advanced arguments for prioritizing as a matter of urgency, the Right to Information Bill.
They comfortably beat their opponents from the Islamic University College, represented by Abubakar Abdul-Aziz and Mohammed Osman Dogo with the argument that, the Office of the Special Prosecutor could not function effectively without access to information.
The UG team argued that, the best way to tackle corruption in the country was to pass the Right to Information Bill as the citizens would be able to hold those in public office accountable for their actions armed with relevant information.
They reiterated their stance by stating that, with a Right to Information law in place, corruption could be minimised and offenders brought to book.
Central University College, represented by Latifa Alhassan and Joshua Batsa Narh beat Accra Technical University represented by Richard Sirate and Obodai Bright.
Central University College emerged the first runners-up with Accra Technical University and Islamic University College in a tie for third place.
Despite the passage of the Special Prosecutor Bill, there appears to be a strong line of argument that, a Right to Information law still remains one of the key outstanding tools required to effectively tackle corruption in Ghana.
This, many observers feel together with the Special Prosecutor Law will ensure that the fight against corruption is successful.
The Debate was supported by the US Embassy in Ghana.
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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana