Teachers Across Ghana Mark National CPD Day, Focusing on Mental Health and Well-being

Teachers across Ghana observed a National Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Day focusing on mental health and psychosocial well-being. The event, supported by Ghana Education Service officials, aimed to equip educators with tools to manage stress and promote resilience.

National CPD Day: Empowering Teachers to Prioritize Mental Health and Well-being

Accra, Ghana – March 2025 —  Teachers at the pre-tertiary level across Ghana took part in the much-anticipated National Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Day,Friday, March 28,2025, an event dedicated to enhancing the mental health and psychosocial well-being of educators. The initiative, organized by the Ghana Education Service (GES), was designed to equip teachers with the necessary tools and strategies to manage the stresses that come with their profession, build resilience, and promote emotional and psychological well-being.

The CPD Day sought to address the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by teachers, many of whom are under constant pressure to perform and support their students in increasingly challenging environments. This program recognized the importance of supporting educators in their own emotional and psychological journeys to ensure they can continue to provide quality education to Ghanaian children.

The Role of the Ghana Education Service in Promoting Teacher Well-being

To ensure the successful implementation of this important program, a team of senior officials from the Ghana Education Service (GES) visited schools in the Greater Accra Region to monitor and observe the CPD Day activities. Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, the Director General of GES, alongside Prof. Smile Dzisi, the Deputy Director-General (Management Services), led the initiative, emphasizing the value of teachers’ well-being in delivering quality education.

Other key figures from the GES included Mrs. Gifty Bremansu, Director of Guidance and Counseling, and Hajia Katumi Natogma Attah, the Greater Accra Regional Director. Also present were the Municipal Director for Korley Klottey, along with various frontline officers from the regional office and headquarters. These officials were responsible for ensuring the smooth execution of the CPD Day and to engage directly with the teachers to gather feedback and insights into the effectiveness of the program.

As part of the nationwide initiative, GES officials also visited schools across the country, from urban centers to rural areas, to ensure that teachers at every level had access to the CPD program. This widespread participation highlighted the GES’s commitment to addressing the challenges that teachers face, particularly in relation to their mental health.

Key Themes Discussed During the CPD Day

The CPD Day was a critical opportunity for teachers to deepen their understanding of mental health, resilience, and stress management. Throughout the day, educators participated in discussions and workshops focused on practical strategies to cope with the emotional and psychological challenges they encounter in their roles.

The modules covered included:

• Stress Management Techniques: Teachers were introduced to various methods of managing the daily stresses they face, such as mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral strategies.
• Building Resilience: Sessions focused on helping teachers develop the personal resilience needed to stay motivated, manage setbacks, and maintain a positive mindset despite challenging circumstances.
• Promoting Mental Health Awareness: Teachers were educated about the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and how to seek help when necessary. The goal was to create a more supportive and open environment in schools for both teachers and students.
• Practical Well-being Strategies: The CPD day also featured practical tips on how teachers can integrate well-being practices into their daily routines, balancing their professional responsibilities with self-care.

These workshops not only provided useful knowledge and strategies but also created a safe space for teachers to share their experiences and learn from each other’s coping mechanisms. The day was designed to empower educators with the tools to better manage their own well-being, ultimately benefiting the entire education system.

Government’s Commitment to Teacher Development and Well-being

This CPD Day marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to improve teacher quality and well-being. The Ghana Education Service, under the leadership of Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, has consistently worked to improve the conditions of teachers across the country. By prioritizing mental health, the service recognizes that the well-being of teachers is integral to the success of Ghana’s education system.

The CPD Day initiative also aligns with broader government objectives aimed at enhancing the quality of education in Ghana. Teachers who are well-supported in terms of mental health and well-being are more likely to be engaged, productive, and effective in their teaching. This, in turn, contributes to the overall success of the education system, as teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Ghana’s youth.

Officials Observe and Support the CPD Day Program Nationwide

A key aspect of today’s event was the active participation of GES officials, who visited various schools to observe how the CPD program was being implemented on the ground. Prof. Davis and his team visited several schools in the capital, Accra, where they interacted with teachers, attended sessions, and reviewed the impact of the program. The officials also collected feedback from participants, allowing the GES to assess the strengths and areas for improvement in future CPD Days.

Regional and municipal directors, including Hajia Katumi Natogma Attah, the Greater Accra Regional Director, ensured that teachers in their respective areas had the necessary support and resources to engage fully in the CPD activities. Officials from the Korley Klottey Municipality also played an active role, ensuring that teachers in their jurisdiction were involved in the day’s programs.

The nationwide visits ensured that the CPD Day was not just limited to urban schools in Accra but reached all corners of the country, reinforcing the GES’s commitment to providing equitable opportunities for teacher development.

Moving Forward: Sustaining Teacher Well-being Initiatives

As the day comes to a close, the GES has emphasized that this CPD Day is just the beginning of a more comprehensive and ongoing commitment to teachers’ well-being. Moving forward, the GES plans to regularly organize CPD programs that focus on various aspects of professional development, with an ongoing emphasis on mental health and resilience.

By fostering an environment where teachers feel supported emotionally, psychologically, and professionally, the Ghana Education Service is ensuring that the country’s educators are equipped to provide the best education possible to Ghanaian students. The GES is determined to continue creating a more sustainable and compassionate environment for teachers to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Conclusion: Teachers as Pillars of Ghana’s Education System

Today’s National CPD Day is a crucial reminder that teachers, as the pillars of Ghana’s education system, deserve the same level of care and attention that they provide to their students. Mental health and well-being are essential to fostering a productive and positive learning environment, and the Ghana Education Service’s commitment to supporting teachers in these areas is a step toward a more resilient and empowered education sector.

This initiative sets the stage for more comprehensive efforts in the future to build a robust support system for teachers across the nation. Through continued professional development and support, the government is laying the groundwork for a brighter future for both teachers and students in Ghana.