Accra,– St. Mary’s Senior High School (SHS) in Accra has emerged winners in the second edition of the SHS “moot court” competition.
The competition was organised by the Faculty of Law of University of Ghana (UG) with support from University of Pretoria, Centre for Human Right, Pretoria, South Africa.
Among the four schools St Mary SHS emerged winners followed by the three other participating schools – West Africa SHS, St. Thomas Aquinas SHS, and Achimota School, in that order.
The competition sought to unearth talents among students about law practice and advocacy as well as build their confidence and oratory skills.
Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law,
UG, said the competition was focused on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and application of the 1992 Constitution and its values.
“The competition also provides a unique opportunity for students to develop their research, writing and oral advocacy skills. Additionally, it is, to encourage them to consider pursuing law careers,” he said.
He said plans are advanced to spread the event to other SHSs not only in Accra but other parts of the country to the benefit other students.
Prof. Appiagyei-Atua said the competition started as a pilot in 2017 with eight schools in the Accra Metropolis, however, it was put on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions and closure of schools.
“Funding and other factors prevented continuation of the competition. However, the organisers have decided to keep it alive this year, involving only four of the previous schools”.
He expressed satisfaction of the performance of the students, saying, they were well prepared and expressed themselves confidently.
Aba Esaba Sam, a student from St Mary’s SHS, said the competition had built their competences and skills in arguing and debating on issues.
“The competition has given us knowledge as to how debates are done at the court. We have been taught how to present our cases in clear manner and confidently,” she said.
The judges for this year’s competition were Prof Kofi Abotsi, Dean of the Faculty of law (UPSA), Prof. Kofi Quashigah, UG School of Law, and Prof. Ken Attafuah, Executive Secretary, National Identification Authority.
Source: Ghana News Agency
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