Holy Child SHS Triumphs in National Debate as 2026 Literacy Challenge Launches with AI Focus

Holy Child Senior High School has emerged as the winner of the 2026 National Girls’ Speech and Debate Championship (NGSDC), a milestone that coincides with the official launch of the 2026 Literacy Challenge by Channel One TV and Citi FM. Both events underscore a growing national emphasis on critical thinking, leadership, and the ethical integration of technology within Ghana’s education sector. While the NGSDC celebrated the oratorical prowess of young women, the Literacy Challenge has set its sights on the next generation of thinkers, challenging students aged 11 to 15 to navigate the complexities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a formal academic setting.

Holy Child SHS secured the top spot after several grueling rounds of debate, showcasing exceptional public speaking and analytical skills. Dora Badu Owusu-Adomah, the founder of the NGSDC, emphasized that the championship’s core mission is to build confidence and resilience in young women rather than merely awarding trophies. She highlighted that the event serves as a platform for empowerment, preparing participants for future leadership. This sentiment was echoed by the event’s patron, Mrs. Mawuena Dumelo Esq., who urged participants to aspire to high-level leadership roles, noting that such initiatives are essential for shaping the future female leaders of Ghana.

Parallel to this achievement, the 2026 Literacy Challenge has been launched with a timely theme: the opportunities and challenges of AI in education. Participants are tasked with writing a 600-word letter to the Minister of Education, discussing the pros and cons of AI and advising on its integration into basic schools. Bernard Avle, representing the organizers, issued a firm warning to contestants to "own" their essays and avoid AI dependence. He stressed that the competition is designed to foster independent thought and creativity—qualities that are increasingly vital as the digital landscape evolves. The winner of this nationwide contest will receive GHS 10,000 and a laptop, with support from sponsors such as Prospectus Ghana Limited and SIC Insurance.

Addressing the broader implications of these developments, Anis Haffar, Chief Examiner for the Literacy Challenge and founder of the GATE Institute, called for a fundamental shift in the Ghanaian classroom. Haffar argued that as AI makes information more accessible, the value of rote memorization diminishes, making problem-solving and critical thinking the new pillars of academic success. He advocated for a curriculum that balances technological advancement with human values, ensuring that students are not just passive consumers of technology but active, ethical problem-solvers who can address contemporary challenges.

These initiatives represent a concerted effort to modernize the Ghanaian educational experience by prioritizing leadership for girls and critical digital literacy for all students. By engaging in high-stakes debating and national essay competitions, young Ghanaians are being prepared for a competitive global landscape that demands both technical proficiency and oratorical confidence. Entries for the 2026 Literacy Challenge are being accepted until July 20, 2026, with the competition set to culminate in a written aptitude test and a final quiz to determine the ultimate champion.