The 65th Independence Anniversary Inter-Regional debate competition has been held in Takoradi in the Western Region for the Southern Zone with the motion, “Success is More Important Than Happiness.”
Some of the contestants spoke in favour of the motion while others spoke against the motion.
The Southern Zone comprises eight (8) regions represented by 8 Senior High Schools (SHS) such as Western represented by Fiaseman SHS, Western North represented by Sefwi Wiawso SHS, Ashanti represented by KNUST SHS, Eastern represented by St. Rose’s Girls SHS, Central represented by Mfantsiman Girls’ SHS, Greater Accra represented by Chemu SHS, Oti represented by Okadjakrom SHTS and Volta represented by Peki SHTS.
At the end of the debate which was keenly contested, Mfantsiman Girls’ SHS emerged the winner with second and third positions going to Okadjakrom SHTS and St. Rose’s Girls SHS respectively whereas Fiaseman SHS and Sefwi Wiawso SHS tying in at the 4th position with KNUST SHS placing 5th and, Peki SHTS and Chemu SHS parring at 6th position.
Peki SHTS 
Chemu SHS
Prizes were given to each of the contestants and the represented schools.
In her welcome address, Mrs Felicia Agyeibea Okai, Western Regional Director of Education said the Independence Anniversary Debate Competition was an annual activity aimed at fostering healthy competitions among second cycle schools to commemorate the Independence of Ghana.
She noted that debate helps students structure their thoughts from the bits and pieces of information they gather and sharpens their critical thinking and research skills as well saying, “my dear students, you are not only representing your schools who have put their trust in you to represent them fairly and adequately, but you are representing your various regions as well.”
Fiaseman SHS 
Sefwi Wiawso SHS 
KNUST SHS
She, therefore, encouraged the participants to devote part of their time to reading and researching in order to become well-informed debaters adding.
“I personally believe that every young person has a dream which must be fulfilled, but the dream can only be achieved when you work at it. Don’t let anyone kill your dream”, she added.
Mrs Okai congratulated the contestants of all schools for making it to such a stage of the competition beating many other contenders in their various regions which makes them winners already even though the ultimate will be chosen to represent their zone at the National competition to be held in the Central Region in March.
Mr Frederick Agyemang, Western Regional Coordinating Director who chaired the occasion mentioned that a debate teaches useful skills for other academic pursuits and life in general, develops critical thinking, increase self confidence, enhance public speaking and makes one eloquent.
Okadjakrom SHTS 
St. Rose’s Girls SHS
