Inter-collegiate science debate ends in Legon

The Greater Accra Branch of the Ghana Science Association has organized the 2012 Inter-Collegiate Science Debate at the Centre for African Wetlands in the University of Ghana campus in Legon.

Participating schools which engaged each other in the maiden Debate included: Meltwater School of Entrepreneurship and Technology, Central University College, Wisconsin University College, Valley View University, Ashesi University College, Methodist University College, the University of Ghana and the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.

Mr Alfred Atto Yankson, the Moderator for the Debate, said it was regrettable that science in Ghana has not yet entered the fore of public discourse though it is the basis for any true development.

He said as a contribution to this scientific engagement, the maiden Inter-Collegiate Science Debates are being organized for tertiary educational institutions within the Greater-Accra Region.

Mr Yankson explained that the debate will center on notions of scientific and national concerns and will afford the public an opportunity to receive clear and accurate explanations on science in order to make them better informed.

He said at the same time, the debates will hone the debating skills of participants and provide an incentive for them to become even more aware of some pertinent issues.

Areas for the debate included: the need for intensive scientific research, Global warming, raging issues on genetically modified food and implantation.

The University of Ghana topped the debate with 79 points, Valley View University obtained 78 points, Ashesi University College 74 points and the Central University College 55 points.

During the debate it was noted that many coastal areas are being affected by the strange movements of the sea which is as a result of global warming some icebergs keep melting and thus increase the volume of water in the seas.

It was also noted that as a result of the global warming most vehicles using fossil fuel are gradually being converted into smaller electrical vehicles to help reduce the effects of global warming.

It was also made known that the genetically modified foods can solve the massive food shortages experienced by many parts of the world and that there has not been any scientific proof that GM foods creates diseases.

Dr Jemima Anderson, the Judge for the Debate and a lecturer from the English Department of the University of Ghana was assisted by a Supporting Judge Mr Jude Akwaa a Private Scientific Researcher, in organizing the debate

The Co-coordinator of the Greater Accra Ghana Science Association, Dr Walter Affo, said the winners would be paired again for the next round of the competition.

Source: GNA