Indrani Bhattacharjee wins top prize at 'The Orators' public speaking competition

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 specializing in promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) disciplines, this year's edition, christened the ‘Youth Manifesto Edition,’ saw 20 candidates from various senior high schools across the country showcasing exceptional oratory skills and intellectual prowess.

The represented schools included Presbyterian Boys Secondary School, Legon (Presec), Accra Academy Senior High School, St. Thomas Aquinas 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 School

- Indrani Bhattacharjee – DPS International Ghana

- Selorm Kudomor Kobla - Presbyterian Boys Secondary School, Legon (Presec)

- Essikpe Kofi Elim - Sonrise Christian High School

- Neriah Tettey - Legacy Girls’ College

They 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. They also answered a question each from the panel of judges and their co-contestants.

The contestants proved their mettle, demonstrating that they truly deserved their places in the finale. Their oratory abilities were in full swing—fluent, articulate, and eloquent delivery, persuasive arguments, and above all, brilliant submissions. They all made a case for the manifestos they presented by proffering solutions to some of the teething problems facing the nation.

The panel of judges and audience were left in awe. The judges, in particular, had a tough time deciding a winner, but ultimately, they passed their verdict as follows:

- Indrani Bhattacharjee of DPS International Ghana - Overall winner

- Selorm Kudomor Kobla of Presec, Legon - 1st Runner-up

- Naana Afuah Adobea Ofori-Henal of Aburi Girls’ SHS - 2nd Runner-up

The top three received cash prizes, international travel opportunities, internship opportunities, and mentorship opportunities, among others.

Founder and Executive Director Abel Ohene Acquaye hinted at the opportunities this year’s edition presents to the candidates and all other interested students across the country.

“The interesting thing about this season is that the winners, and even some of you, will have the opportunity again to go to South Africa as part of the Model African Union, which we have been doing," he said.

“We have also received an invitation to be part of the World Independent Public Speaking Competition, which is going to happen in Malaysia next year; this means some of you will have the opportunity to represent Team Ghana in such competitions," he added.