UPSA beat UG Legon to win inaugural forestry commission debate competition

The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has emerged victorious in the maiden edition of the Forestry Commission Debate Competition, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s growing reputation for academic excellence and public speaking.

The competition, held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the Forestry Commission Auditorium in Accra, formed part of activities to commemorate the International Day of Forests 2026.

It was organised by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Forestry Commission under the global theme, “Forests and Economies.”

UPSA faced off against the University of Ghana in a keenly contested debate on the motion: “The economic value of forests should be measured solely in terms of timber and non-timber forest products.”

Arguing against the motion, the UPSA team delivered a compelling case that the value of forests extends beyond extractive resources to include environmental, social and economic benefits.

The winning team comprised Mr. Richard Gamli Graham, a Level 400 Bachelor of Laws student and President of the UPSA Debate Club; Mr. Kelvin Kwami Ofosu, a Level 400 Information Technology student; and Miss Yomle Sika Padi-Narh, a Level 200 Bachelor of Laws student.

Their performance earned them a score of 81 percent, narrowly defeating the University of Ghana Debate Club, which scored 78 percent.

The judges unanimously endorsed UPSA as winners of the competition.

For their achievement, the team received a prize package including GH¢20,000, a trophy, a plaque, a Samsung tablet, certificates and branded souvenirs from the Forestry Commission.

The victory is particularly notable as it crowns UPSA as the inaugural champions of the debate competition, setting the pace for future editions.

Following the win, the team presented the trophy to the Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor.

He commended the students for their outstanding performance and urged them to build on their success, describing them as worthy ambassadors of the university.

The debate also underscored the broader significance of the International Day of Forests, observed globally on March 21 following its proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012.

The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of forests and promoting sustainable management practices.

This year’s theme, “Forests and Economies,” highlights the critical role forests play in supporting livelihoods, generating employment, facilitating trade and sustaining food systems.

Globally, forests contribute trillions of dollars to economies and support billions of people.

In Ghana, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission continue to leverage the annual commemoration to intensify public education on forest conservation and promote tree planting initiatives aimed at safeguarding the country’s natural resources.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith