Ghana experienced the Spoken Arts & Debate Society (SADS) in June! Sponsored by Isuzu East Africa, SADS represented East Africa in the most prestigious West African tournament: the annual Accra Open Debate Championship. This being SADS's first travel outside of the East African region, having taken part in the Olympia Invitational in Kampala, Uganda and Zanzibar Open in Tanzania for two consecutive years, USIU-Africa was one of the two universities in Kenya and East Africa to compete in this prestigious West African Debate tournament.

SADS has established a reputation as East Africa’s debate champion that continues to gain local and International accolades. This has been nurtured through online and physical debate tournaments. USIU-Africa was one of the two institutions selected to represent Kenya and East Africa at large at the prestigious West African Tournament. The beneficiaries of the Isuzu East Africa sponsorship were Kagia Samuel, Chantelle Mukabi and Fresher Diana.

Hosting universities from 4 countries around Africa, SADS had the honor of being chosen to participate in competing among Africa’s top debaters. Held at the University of Ghana- Legon, from June 15-20, 2022. The exposure to a new culture and an environment rich with knowledge sharing and competition fostered long-term friendships and connections succeeding previous interactions through online debate platforms such as Discord and Zoom.

SADS was not short of awards either! All 3 students broke to the Semi-Finals, with Fresher Awuor and her Ghanaian partner advancing in the Novice Category, and Chantelle & Kagia advancing to the Open (advanced) Category Grand Finale. Among the recognized was Chantelle Mukabi, garnering an award among the top 10 Best Speakers in the Open Category. The tournament was a highly anticipated event with distinguished guests, the Guest of Honor being Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister of Information in the Ghanian government.

As SADS, we would like to thank the USIU-Africa through the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs for their unwavering support. We also would like to acknowledge the tutelage and leadership of our club patron Dr. Quin Awuor for the tremendous support and patronage throughout our debate journey.

“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion, and avoid the people, you might better stay home” – James Michener