The fourth season of "The Orators," a prestigious public speaking competition for senior high school students in Ghana, successfully concluded on November 11 at the GNAT Hall in Accra.Organised by the Academic Talent Development Programme (ATDP), a leading Ghanaian education hub specialising in promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) disciplines, this year's edition, christened ''youth manifesto edition", saw 20 candidates from various senior high schools across the country showcasing exceptional oratory skills and intellectual prowess.The represented schools include Presbyterian Boys Secondary School, Legon (Presec), Accra Academy Senior High School, St.
Thomas Acquinas Senior High School, DPS International, Aburi Girls Senior High School, Legacy Girls College, Sonrise Christian High School, Mawuli School among others.Candidates took turns in a two-round preliminary, made up of prepared and impromptu speeches on diverse national topics to justify their inclusion in the finalists.
After an intriguing performance by all contestants, five finalists were selected by the panel of judges to face off for the ultimate prize.
The shortlisted finalists were:Naana Afuah Adobea Ofori- Henal of Aburi Girls Senior High SchoolIndrani Batthacharjee - DPS International GhanaSelorm Kudomor Kobla - Presbyterian Boys Secondary School, Legon (Presec)Essikpe Kofi Elim - Sonrise Christian High SchoolNeriah Tettey - Legacy Girls' CollegeThey took turns and, in five minutes, each delivered on topics they balloted for, which included public sector corruption, gender inclusiveness, food security and accessible quality education.