RINGO | DAC PLATFORM
ENG | FR

Shifting the Power Debate: Ghanaian Youth Challenge Development Systems

March 24, 2026 In Newsroom By

Shifting the Power Debate: Ghanaian Youth Challenge Development Systems

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

[Accra, Ghana, 8 March 2026] —Accra came alive on 2 and 3 March 2026 as sixteen (16) of Ghana’s brightest university students went head-to-head in the 2026 Ghana Inter-University Shifting the Power Debate. 

 It was organised by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and STAR-Ghana Foundation with support from Comic Relief, under the Shifting the Power programme. 

 The competition, facilitated by the Debate consultancy firm, Speech Forces,  brought together teams from the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ashesi University, and the University for Development Studies.  

From the very first round, held at the University of Ghana campus on 2nd March, the atmosphere crackled with tension and excitement. 

Melissa Juisi Simo, Programme Assistant for Capacity Development at WACSI, set the tone for the competition. “This is a platform where there are no wrong and right answers,” she told the participants. “Use this space to share bold ideas, challenge the status quo and connect ideas.” Her call resonated throughout the chamber as students stepped up to speak with confidence and purpose. 

Melissa Juisi Simo, Programme Assistant for Capacity Development at WACSI

Over six preliminary rounds, students tackled pressing questions shaping Ghana’s development, debating whether indigenous knowledge systems should guide national policies, whether communities should manage essential services such as water and sanitation, and whether governments should obtain consent from local communities before approving major environmental projects.  

Each exchange tested their ability to think critically, respond quickly, and propose innovative solutions to entrenched challenges. 

Debates were heated, with participants probing the limits of traditional development models. Agbedanu Woelorm Kwaku of the University of Ghana insisted, “It is about time to shift the power back to the local actors.”  He said to support the motion, “This House believes that international partners should prioritise unrestricted support for local partners.” 

Lawrence Obeng of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology countered, “At the point in time when there is nothing restricting partners, they are likely to take advantage of the system.”  

Lawrence Obeng from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Other supporting speakers, including Akua Afriyie Ofori-Atta, Eugenia Afua Adoma Atta-Sonno, and David-Elorm Sampson Mensah, challenged the conventional assumption that all local organisations are inherently equipped to manage resources effectively. They emphasised the expertise, accountability, and potential of local organisations, while also highlighting the risks posed by mismanaged development funding, signalling a shift in power towards more locally driven, responsible decision-making. 

The two-day championship was more than a contest of eloquence. It was a platform for bold ideas, for students to challenge entrenched systems, and to propose innovative approaches that place communities at the centre of development.  

Akua Afriyie Ofori-Atta, Eugenia Afua Adoma Atta-Sonno, and David-Elorm Sampson Mensah

Eight judges, drawn from the development sector, civil society, academia, and debate societies, adjudicated the contests, reflecting a diverse and balanced range of perspectives. 

More than a hundred people attended the contest, captivated by the participants’ analytical skills, persuasive arguments, and strategic thinking throughout the tournament. 

The Ghana Inter‑University Shifting the Power Debate was organised under the #ShiftThePower programme, a global movement aimed at redistributing power to communities by promoting local leadership, equity, and participatory development. The debate engages youth as part of the initiative, giving them a platform to contribute ideas and perspectives on development challenges. 

University of Ghana wins the national contest in Ghana

The University of Ghana won the national contest in Ghana and will face the winners from Malawi and Zambia in the Pan‑Africa Grand Finale, scheduled for 30 March 2026 in Accra, Ghana. 

Through energy, insight, and creativity, participants demonstrated the value of youth engagement in development discussions, showing how the next generation can contribute meaningfully to reshaping conventional approaches. 

 

Learn more about the debate.  Also read:  

Ghanaian Youth Called to Lead Change at Maiden Shifting the Power Debate 

 University of Ghana Clinches Victory at Maiden Inter-University Shifting the Power Debate 

Press Statement: University of Ghana Wins Maiden National Shifting the Power Debate Ahead of Pan-African Grand Finale in Ghanaian Parliament  

About the author

Author profile
Related entries

Share:

Prev Post
Next Post

Leave your comments

FIIFI BOATENG

Fiifi is a Ghanaian and currently serves as Communications and Information Officer at the West Africa Civil Society Institute. He joined the Institute in December 2020.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

NANCY KANKAM KUSI

Nancy is a Ghanaian and currently serves as Programme Officer in the Knowledge Management unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute. She joined the Institute in January 2021.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

AGNES ADWOA ANIMA

Agnes is a Ghanaian and currently serves as Head of the Administration unit in the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in October 2021.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

DORIS ODEI

Doris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social sciences (Economics and Sociology) from the University of Cape Coast. She is passionate about impacting young lives hence co-founded Impart Foundation. A non-profit organization which seeks to empower young lives through education, technology and entrepreneurship.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

PRINCE AKOWUAH

Prince Akowuah is a Ghanaian and currently the Programme Assistant in the Translation Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in 2020.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

MAXWELL APENTENG

Maxwell Apenteng is a Ghanaian and joined WACSI in September 2010. He provides gardening and janitorial services at the Institute.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

GEORGE ADU-MINTAH

George Adu-Mintah is a Ghanaian and currently the Protocol Assistant/Driver at the West Africa Civil Society (WACSI). He joined the Institute in October 2006.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

IBRAHIM KWAKU GBADAGO

Ibrahim Kwaku Gbadago is a Ghanaian. He joined the Institute in 2008 and provides janitorial services and assisting the institute's errands. Before joining the Institute, he worked at the Palestinian embassy in Accra, Ghana.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

RUTH YAKANA

Ruth Yakana is from Cameroon and currently the Receptionist at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in 2020.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

BETHEL KWAME BOATENG

Bethel is a Ghanaian. He provides technical and IT related support to the Institute. He joined the Institute in October 2006.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

WHITNAY SEGNONNA

Whitnay Segnonna holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Management from the University of Benin. With 2 years of experience, she has a strong knowledge of organizational and project management. Combined with her bilingualism, she is very passionate about her work. She joined WACSI as Project Assistant on Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) for the Capacity Development Unit.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

STELLA YAWA WOWOUI

Stella Yawa Wowoui holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Translation Studies. She has a perfect grasp of both French and English, as well as an intermediate level in Spanish. She is currently working as a Project Assistant on the Techsoup Project.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

KWAME ASANTE

Kwame is an experienced IT Consultant/Software Developer. He is skilled in Web Applications Development, Digital Security, Database Management, Digital Marketing and Brand Management. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology and is a Microsoft Programme Alumni. He is currently serving as a Marketing and IT Officer on the Techsoup Project.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

GRACE AKPENE ZIGGAH

Grace Akpene Ziggah is a Togolese and currently the Logistics Officer and also assists in administration duties at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in June 2009.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

LILLIAN DAFEAMEKPOR

Lilian Dafeamekpor is a Ghanaian and currently the Assistant to the Executive Director at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in 2020.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

JOHN P. FRINJUAH

John P. Frinjuah has expertise and interests in civil society, international development, democracy and governance, conflict, crisis, and security. He has extensive experience working with civil society and international development organizations where he supported and managed research, programmes, and provided technical assistance on a variety of themes around public policy, governance, and development. He is an alumnus of the University of Ghana and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy - Tufts University in the United States, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from two institutions respectively. John speaks English, French and several Ghanaian and regional West Africa languages.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

GERVIN CHANASE

Gervin has extensive international development experience, including 5 years of policy advocacy and capacity building of grass root organisations. He has implemented over the years a combination of agriculture value chain, livelihood, food security and governance and rights programmes.
Prior to joining WACSI, Gervin worked on two USAID projects focusing on agriculture value chain development and governance in northern Ghana
Gervin holds a master’s degree in development & Governance from the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany as well as a Masters in Global Studies from the Universities of Vienna (Austria), Leipzig (Germany) and California (Santa Barbara), USA. He is passionate social justice and inclusion.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

LEANDRE BANON

Leandre Banon, Beninese, joined WACSI in September 2014 as Capacity Development Programme Assistant. Since then, he has worked in various units within the Institute to support operational and institutional capacity strengthening programmes for civil society in the region. Currently serving as Capacity Development Programme Officer at WACSI, his main responsibilities involve designing, planning, implementing and monitoring capacity development programmes for civil society constituents and grouping across the West Africa. Leandre is a certified Change the Game Academy Programme Trainer. His background lies in the areas of economics and development planning.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

SAMUEL APPIAH

Samuel Appiah is a Ghanaian and currently the Programme Officer in the Finance and Administrative Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). He joined the Institute in May, 2016.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

JIMM CHICK FOMUNJONG

Jimm Chick Fomunjong, Cameroonian, joined WACSI in May 2018 as the Head of the Knowledge Management and Communication Units of the Institute. He has over ten years’ experience as a journalist and a development communications expert. He has a vast experience in supporting African organisations to strengthen their internal and external communications, building and sustaining relationships with the media and, leveraging on the power of social media to promote their mission. He is also excellent at supporting organisations to set up and operationalise functional communications and knowledge management systems. He has a deep passion and expertise in supporting Africans and African civil society organisations to document their praxis, share and learn from experiences documented from the African civil society sector.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

FRANCK A. SOMBO

Franck Sombo is a development practitioner with the drive to lead self and others to influence productivity and efficiency. His work involves supporting organisations to develop strategic plans, design monitoring and evaluation systems, develop and use relevant performance measurement tools to track progress, assess organizational growth and institutionalise learning. Franck has eight years of experience working with WACSI where he currently serves as the Head, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning. His academic qualifications include Masters in Organisations’ and Projects’ Management, and in Business Sciences and a High National Diploma in Finance and Accounting.

Franck is a Fellow of the International Program for Development Evaluation Training (IPDET) and a graduate of the Graduate Training Institute (GTI) - Ghana with specialization in Strategic Management and Corporate Leadership. He has a rich experience in Project Management, Capacity Development, Strategic planning, Data Analytics, Monitoring and Evaluation, Training and Facilitation, Mentoring and Coaching among others.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

OMOLARA T. BALOGUN

Omolara is a development practitioner and advocacy strategist with over 15 years of progressive experience in development programming targeted at strengthening civil society in West Africa.

She joined WACSI in November 2009 as a Regional Advocacy Consultant and later became the first Policy Advocacy Officer of the Institute in 2010.

She was promoted to Head of the Policy Influencing and Advocacy (PIA) Unit in 2015. As the Head of the PIA unit, Omolara offers strategic direction to the Institutes’ ambitions to connect and convene groups of organised and organic civil society actors; and influence regional and global discourses on crosscutting policy issues including—civil society regulations, sustainable development goals, civic space and enabling environment, aid effectiveness, gender equality, and civil society accountability.

Previously, Omolara served as a Programmes Associate with the Women in Peace and Security Network-Africa (WIPSEN-Africa), where she worked with her team to design and implement pan-African programmes on—multidimensional peace support operations and gender mainstreaming in security sector reform in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.

She also served as a Service Development Marshal at TVQ Consulting Group, a customer service firm focused on designing strategic customer relationship and business growth plans for private and public financial institutions in Nigeria.

Omolara is a social justice advocate, a network weaver, and a convener. She has a postgraduate degree in Peace and Conflict Studies; a degree in International Relations and History, from the University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria respectively.

She also holds executive certificates in Behavioral Science in Public Policy from Harvard University Executive Education in Cambridge and in Citizen Advocacy from the Coady International Institute, St Francis Xavier University in Canada.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

KWABENA KRODUAH

Kwabena Kroduah is a Ghanaian and currently heads the Finance Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). He joined the Institute in January 2008.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

CHARLES KOJO VANDYCK

Charles currently serves as the Head of the Capacity Development Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). Charles has over 10 years of experience working in international development and social justice issues in Africa. Charles has expertise in strengthening civil society and public agencies including the design and implementation of governance and leadership programmes, development of knowledge pieces and policy advice. Charles was the founding Board Chair of Innovation for Change (i4C)-Hub Afrique, as well as the founding member of the International Consortium on Closing Civic Space (iCon), an initiative of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington DC. Charles currently serves as the Member of the Governing Board (Coordination Collective) of Africans Rising. He is a Member of the Development Studies Association, United Kingdom. Charles is a 2017 Stanford University Fellow for Nonprofit Leaders and a certified Change the Game Resource Mobilisation Trainer.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

NANA ASANTEWA AFADZINU

Nana Afadzinu is a Ghanaian and currently serves as the Executive Director of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in October 2010.

Visit LinkedIn Profile