Dzodze, 11th October 2025 — Dzodze Penyi Senior High School has hosted an educative session aimed at empowering students—particularly female students—to pursue their goals through resilience, civic engagement, and academic excellence.
The event featured Dr. Derek Ebenezer Akwanga, founder of the Ebenezer Akwanga Human Rights and Humanitarian Institute, who delivered the keynote address.
The program attracted staff, students, and media houses, including Fafaa 100.3 FM Dzodze.
In his welcome address, the Headmaster of Dzodze Penyi SHS, Agbotadua, Joshua Yao Vidzro, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Akwanga for honouring the invitation and acknowledged his continued support for the school. He shared that Dr. Akwanga has pledged to donate computers and sewing machines to support practical training. He further appealed to Dr. Akwanga to assist with bicycles for students who walk long distances to attend school, citing it as a pressing need.
In his keynote speech, Dr. Akwanga delivered a passionate message centered on female empowerment, encouraging girls not to allow anyone to look down on them. He urged all students to rise above challenges through determination, discipline, and purpose. He shared his own difficult journey and how he turned personal struggles into strength to help others today. He also made a heartfelt statement, saying, “I am not a Ghanaian by birth, but I came to know and love Ghana through the late former President, His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings. He inspired me deeply. That love for Ghana is why I am committed to doing good for its people.”
The students responded with loud applause, moved by his sincerity and encouragement. After the talk, several students reflected on the message, sharing important lessons on their take home during a live interview of Fafaa100.3 Fm.
Following the motivational talk, Dr. Akwanga officially launched the Inter-School Debate Competition involving four senior high schools in the Ketu North Municipality: Dzodze Penyi SHS, Weta SHS, Wovenu SHS, and Afife SHS. The debate is scheduled to take place on 3rd and 4th November 2025. Representatives from the participating schools were present, and balloting was conducted live to determine the pairings for the competition.
Dr. Akwanga further urged all participants to be vigilant and prepare seriously, stating clearly that something special would come out of the competition for those who give their best. He encouraged the various schools to take the debate seriously, not just as a competition but as a platform for growth and transformation. He also assured that the next season of the debate would involve many more schools across the Volta Region, emphasizing that the goal of the initiative is to promote schools and empower students across the region.
Ten official debate motions were announced during the launch. These motions are designed to be provocative, insightful, and multidimensional, allowing students to engage with complex themes such as social issues, political responsibility, civic participation, and national development. The motions are as follows:
- This House believes that substance abuse among students is more a failure of political leadership than of individual discipline.
- This House will prioritize comprehensive civic education in schools as the most effective tool against teenage pregnancy and social vices.
- This House believes that the future of Ghana’s democracy depends on how students are empowered to engage civically against destructive lifestyles.
- This House would hold political leaders directly accountable for the rising tide of substance abuse among Ghanaian youth.
- This House believes that students’ civic engagement is a stronger driver of national development than partisan politics.
- This House would make participation in student governance and civic clubs compulsory as a way of reducing unhealthy sexual practices.
- This House believes that the neglect of rural schools in national policy fuels the rise of social vices more than peer influence does.
- This House would prioritize investment in youth leadership and civic participation over policing as the solution to student indiscipline.
- This House believes that addressing teenage pregnancy is not just a health issue but a political responsibility of government.
- This House believes that the political silence on student social vices is a betrayal of Ghana’s democratic future.
These motions are expected to spark deep conversations and challenge students to critically analyze societal issues. They are crafted to encourage engagement with social themes such as substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, and unhealthy practices; political responsibility such as leadership and government accountability; civic engagement through student activism, governance, and democracy; and national development by linking youth wellbeing with Ghana’s growth and future.
The event ended with renewed enthusiasm and anticipation for the upcoming debate. Students and staff expressed their excitement and commitment to preparing well for the competition. With this initiative, the Ebenezer Akwanga Human Rights and Humanitarian Institute continues to be a driving force behind youth development, empowerment, and educational support in Ghana.
Dzodze Penyi SHS once again proves itself as a centre of excellence, leadership, and social change, shaping students not only for exams but for life.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM,Dzodze
Source: fafaafmonline.com