Students Champion Digital Safety Against Gender-Based Violence
Accra – The 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence culminated in a powerful call for safer digital spaces, as students from six Senior High Schools in Accra showcased their debating and public speaking skills at the Speak Up 1.0 grand finale.
The event, held on December 10, 2025, at the University of Ghana Business School, was organized by the Ghana Education Service (GES) in collaboration with Transforming Teaching, Education and Learning (T-TEL) and Speech Forces. It featured students participating in the Speech Club and Career Development Initiative, a pilot program across selected schools.
Mrs Constance Baba Boateng, Language Coordinator of the Greater Accra Directorate of GES, emphasized the initiative’s alignment with creating secure and supportive learning environments. “We want our schools to be places where every learner feels safe, respected, and encouraged to express themselves,” she said, adding that Speak Up 1.0 is a “practical intervention that builds confident and responsible learners.”
The competition saw spirited debates and compelling speeches from Accra Wesley Girls High School, Ashaiman Senior High School, Christian Methodist Senior High School, Ngleshie Amanfro Senior High School, OReilly Senior High School, and Amasaman Senior High Technical School. Participating students engaged with motions concerning digital responsibility, online abuse, and accountability, deftly linking academic concepts to the real-world challenges faced by young people online.
Ashaiman SHS ultimately clinched the top spot in the debate competition, with Ngleshie Amanfro SHS finishing as the first runner-up. In the public speaking segment, Accra Wesley Girls SHS impressed in the prepared speech category, while Ngleshie Amanfro SHS excelled in impromptu speaking.
Mr Aaron Akwaboah, T-TEL’s Advisor on School Guidance and Student Support, representing the Executive Director Robin Todd, lauded the students’ exceptional leadership qualities. “The student-led panel was the highlight of the event. They spoke with poise, confidence and strong evidence, showing that young people are ready to drive positive change,” he noted.
Ms Marjorie Tackie, T-TEL’s Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Coordinator, also addressed the students, stressing the importance of prioritizing their digital wellbeing. “Students must take their digital wellbeing seriously and be mindful of how harmful online behaviour can affect others, especially women and girls,” she urged.
According to Mr Isaac Nyamekye Boakye, Director of Programmes at Speech Forces, Speak Up 1.0 was intentionally designed to cultivate leadership skills in students who might not otherwise have such opportunities. “By equipping these learners with skills in public speaking, logical reasoning and teamwork, we are preparing globally conscious citizens who can contribute meaningfully to society,” he explained.
The grand finale wasn’t solely focused on competition but also incorporated creative performances, media interactions, and youth-led discussions – all geared to reinforce the message that education and open dialogue are critical for addressing gender-based violence and fostering digital safety within Ghana.
Organisers stated that the insights gained from Speak Up 1.0 will be instrumental in shaping the future expanding of the program, aiming for more comprehensive student involvement in national conversations surrounding safety, inclusive practices, and responsible online citizenship.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
