National debate on health for Adventist SHSs ends

Kumasi, Oct. 20, GNA - Miss Abigail Gyasiwaa, a third year student of the Agona Adventist Senior High School (SHS) in the Sekyere South District of Ashanti Region on Tuesday emerged winner of the national health and science debate for second cycle Adventist students held in Kumasi.

She scored 48 points to beat nine other contestants in the grand finale and was presented with a trophy, certificate, books and an undisclosed cash prize.

The debate which formed part of activities marking 121 years of Adventism in the country was also to encourage healthy lifestyles among the people.

Master Richard Andrews Ofori of the Takoradi Adventist SHS placed second with 46 points and received a certificate, shield and books while Master Essien Agyekum of Bantama Adventist SHS came third with 45 points and received a certificate and books.

In all, more than 100 students took part in the contest.

Dr. Mohammed Ibn Ibrahim, Ashanti Regional Director of Health Service, commended the participating students for in-depth knowledge in science and health.

He said it was important that Ghanaians adopted preventive health measures to enable them stay healthy at all times.

This, he said, would also enhance productivity in all sectors of the economy since "a healthy nation is a wealthy one".

Dr. Ibrahim reminded students that they were the future leaders and managers of the nation and as such it was pertinent for them to channel their energy towards productive ventures instead of engaging in vices that could ruin their lives.

Mr. Moses Addai, Headmaster of Bantama Adventist SHS, the host school for the debate, said the Adventist church since its formation in 1888 has helped to shape the lives of the youth through the establishment of schools.

The church now boasts of 196 schools at the basic, second cycle and tertiary levels and urged church members to work hard to propagate Adventism.

GNA