Antonio Edem Asinyo, a renowned debater and coach, has made significant strides in the world of competitive debate, earning him a distinguished place in both global academic and leadership circles.
As the immediate past President of the World Universities Debating Council (WUDC), Antonio etched his name in history as the first African to hold this prestigious position.
Additionally, he has recently been awarded the coveted Chevening Scholarship, an honor that will allow him to pursue advanced studies in Communication for Development at the University of Reading, UK.
A Trailblazer in Debate
Antonio’s journey in debate began at the University of Ghana, where he was first introduced to the vibrant debate community. His love for debating grew out of a childhood surrounded by critical thinking and constant questioning. This inquisitive mindset shaped his future, not only in debate but also in life. As a member of the University of Ghana Debate Society, Antonio quickly rose through the ranks, eventually leading his team to victory in prestigious tournaments.
In 2019, he reached an extraordinary milestone by becoming the President of the World Universities Debating Council, making him the first African to ever hold this esteemed role. This achievement highlighted his exceptional leadership and influence in the world of academic debate. Under his leadership, the Council witnessed a renewed focus on promoting debating initiatives globally, particularly in developing countries.
Victory and Recognition on the Global Stage
Antonio’s accomplishments in the debate world go beyond leadership roles. As coach of the University of Ghana Debate Society, he helped secure a win in the Public Speaking Category of the World Universities Debating Championship, both in Cape Town, South Africa, and in Assumption University, Thailand. These victories solidified his reputation as one of the most influential figures in global debating.
One of the most memorable moments in his career came during the 2012 Pan African University Debate Championship in Pretoria, South Africa. Facing an unexpected challenge—debating without a partner—Antonio rose to the occasion, winning the Best Speaker Country award and securing a spot among the Top 5 University Public Speakers. This victory was a defining moment in his international debating journey.
The Vision Beyond Debate: Antonio’s Future Plans
While Antonio is best known for his achievements in debate, he has also ventured into impactful initiatives that contribute to his country’s development. He founded the Institute of Public Discourse, a think tank aimed at enhancing communication among the youth and broader society. This initiative reflects his strong belief in the power of effective communication to drive positive change, especially among Ghana’s youth.
In addition to his work in communication, Antonio is the founder of GreenCenta Legacy Limited, an agribusiness focused on promoting sustainable farming practices. His commitment to addressing issues like food security, climate change, and agricultural development reflects his broader vision of making a difference in both local and global contexts.
The Impact of Chevening and Future Goals
Antonio’s academic journey is about to take a significant turn with the Chevening Scholarship, a program offered by the UK Government that supports outstanding individuals committed to creating positive change in their home countries. With this scholarship, Antonio will study Communication for Development at the University of Reading’s Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture, and Economics (GIIDAE). He sees this as an opportunity to further his mission of using communication to address key issues like food security and inequality.
Antonio’s future plans extend beyond academia and into leadership roles, where he hopes to continue shaping policies that will have a lasting impact on society. He is deeply committed to developing Ghana’s youth and encouraging a culture of critical thinking, which he believes is crucial for the country’s future progress.
