Yomle Sika Padi-Narh and Benedicta Okyere Baiden, representing Aburi Girls Senior High School, emerged as the champions of the 2023 Ghana Secondary Schools Moot Court Competition. The legal showdown unfolded at the Accra Law Court Complex on 27th August and was presided over by a distinguished panel of judges, including Justice Kwame Gyamfi Osei, Justice Francis Obiri, and Justice Marian Affoh. Aburi Girls Senior High School secured the championship title by beating their opponents, Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School.
This year’s competition witnessed twelve schools spanning across Ghana, including Legacy Girls College, St. Francis Xavier, Accra Academy, Krobo Girls’ Senior High School, Achimota School, Ghana International School, Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, Aburi Girls’ Senior High School, Ola Girls’ Senior High School, Alpha Beta School, and Labone High School been selected for the oral rounds of the competition. However, eleven out of the twelve schools participated in the oral rounds, which took place on the 25th of August 2023.
The Ghana Secondary Schools Moot Court Competition is organized by the University of Ghana School of Law in collaboration with Speech Forces with support from the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. The primary objective of the competition is to provide students with a unique opportunity to enhance their research, writing, and public speaking skills while addressing pressing constitutional challenges in Ghana. Furthermore, it serves as a platform to inspire gifted young individuals to consider pursuing a career in the legal field.
As it has been in previous editions, the 4th edition of the Ghana Secondary Schools Moot Court Competition encompassed both written and oral rounds. Senior High Schools throughout the country were tasked with selecting two students, each of whom would submit an essay presenting a viewpoint on a hypothetical legal case. This year’s hypothetical case revolved around four critical legal issues, including the right to education, freedom of expression, right to a fair trial, and the freedom of assembly, all in the context of Article 21 of the Constitution of Ghana. A distinguished panel of experts meticulously evaluated the submissions, ultimately selecting the twelve best essays to advance to the oral rounds of the competition.
The Ghana Secondary Schools Moot Court Competition continues to be a vital platform for nurturing legal talent among students in Ghana. It offers an enriching experience for participants to hone their legal skills, grapple with real constitutional challenges, and ignite their passion for a future career in the field of law. Speech Forces extends its heartfelt gratitude to the University of Ghana, as well as the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, for their invaluable support in making this event possible.
We also wish to express our deep appreciation to Justice Kwame Gyamfi Osei, Justice Francis Obiri, and Justice Marian Affoh, for gracing the grand finale with their esteemed presence. Our heartfelt thanks extend to every participant, facilitator, patron, counsel, volunteer, and all those who contributed their time, expertise, and dedication to ensure the resounding success of this event. Their collective efforts played an integral role in making this competition memorable.
Once again, a resounding congratulations to the outstanding champions, Aburi Girls Senior High School, for their remarkable victory. Their hard work, dedication, and exceptional legal prowess have rightfully earned them this prestigious title. We look forward to witnessing their continued success in the world of law and beyond.
See below the winners of other awards in 2023 Ghana Secondary Schools Moot Court Competition