By Ibrahim Mansaray
Freetown, 14th October 2025- Methodist Girls High School (MGHS) emerged victorious over the weekend at the first-ever High School Debate Championship, organized by the Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ).
The competition, held on Friday, 10th and Saturday 11th October at the Fourah Bay College Multipurpose Hall, brought together 20 schools from across the Western Area. Convened under the resonant theme “Civic Education, Justice and the Rule of Law,” the event aimed to spotlight youth engagement in democratic discourse.
In her opening remarks, ILRAJ’s Chief Executive Officer, Basita Michael Esq., emphasized the significance of the championship, reaffirming the organization’s mission to promote justice, the rule of law, and human rights across Sierra Leone.
After two days of intense and intellectually charged debates, MGHS, led by Edna Hannah Mansaray, was crowned champion. Their compelling arguments and eloquent delivery earned them the coveted gold trophy and medal, a cash prize of Le 5,000, and a variety of Cowbell products.
Speaking to Truth Media, a visibly emotional Mansaray described the win as “unbelievable,” citing the challenges of a particularly hectic week. She dedicated the victory to a colleague the school had lost in the days leading up to the championship, making the triumph both bittersweet and deeply meaningful.
Saint Joseph Secondary School, led by Dennicia Conteh, claimed the first runners-up position. While proud of her team’s performance, Conteh expressed a hunger for the top spot, saying: “I wanted the first position, and I plan on doing more to achieve that next time.” Her school received a silver medal, silver trophy, certificates, Cowbell products, and a cash prize of Le 3,000.
Methodist Boys High School (MBHS) rounded out the top three as second runners-up, earning a bronze medal, certificates, Cowbell products, and Le 2,000.
Individual excellence was also celebrated. Amadu Kamara of MBHS was named Third Best Debater, following Saint Joseph’s Conteh and MGHS’s Mansaray, who took second and first place, respectively.
All participating schools received Certificates of Participation in recognition of their role in this landmark event.
The successful debut of the championship was made possible through the generous support of sponsors UBA Group Sierra Leone, PrintPointSL, and Cowbell.
The event has set a high bar for future editions, promising to become a vital platform for nurturing the next generation of legal thinkers and public speakers in Sierra Leone.
