The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) School of Medicine and Dentistry (KSDM) students’ debate team on Friday, 29th November 2019 beat five Universities in Ghana to grab the 2019 annual inter-medical schools public speaking competition trophy. This year’s event; the 9th edition was held at the University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry Auditorium, Korle-Bu, Accra.

The Debate Competition saw teams from the Schools of Medical Sciences from KNUST, University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, Accra College of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences and University of Development Studies, compete against each other on the topic, ‘Which costs society more? Physical illness or mental illness”? It is a very crucial topic for policy makers, hospital management boards and doctors.

Presenting the plaque to the Vice Chancellor, the Dean of KSMD, who led the presenting team, stated that the aim of the programme is to promote Psychiatry amongst Health Practitioners and to destigmatise and popularise Psychiatry in the Medical field.

In a statement, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso, on behalf of the management, thanked the students for sparing time to prepare themselves adequately in order to win the competition. He stated that it was gratifying to have students bring successes to the University. He hoped that the students would climb the ladder to international competitions and bring more laurels to the University.

The Inter-Medical Schools Debate is an annual programme instituted in 2010 and organized by Prof. Vincent Agyapong’s Professional Corporation in collaboration with St. Patrick’s Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. Traditionally, the winners of this inter-medical schools’ debate are sponsored to travel to St Patrick’s Hospital for a one-month practical training in psychiatric practice in the western world. The principal speaker, Albert Gyato and his supporting speaker, Christine Boahene, will therefore embark on this trip in September 2020. In appreciation of their victory, the Vice Chancellor promised to give them additional financial support during their stay in Dublin.

Dr. Mrs. Emma Adjaottor, the Head of Department of Behavioural Sciences acknowledged the enormous support in different forms from the Provost, CHS, the Dean and Vice Dean of SMD. She also commended the great work done by Dr. Frimpong-Manso Addo and Dr. Ruth Owusu-Antwi, lecturers of the department and Dr. JP. Omuojine, Dr. F. Oppong and Dr. C. Otu-Ansah of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for their input in achieving the victory.