Top List of Awardees at the Prestigious Ghana Teacher Prize 2024

Ferdinand | EducationGhana | October 07 | Top List of Awardees at the Prestigious Ghana Teacher Prize 2024

The 2024 Ghana Teacher Prize, hosted by the Ministry of Education and National Teaching Council, honored exceptional educators during a grand durbar at KNUST. The event focused on the theme “Valuing Teacher Voices” and recognized outstanding achievements across various categories. Learn about the winners and the ongoing commitment to improving education in Ghana.

The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the National Teaching Council (NTC), successfully hosted a two-day symposium followed by a grand durbar to celebrate exceptional educators in Ghana from October 3 to October 5, 2024. The event took place at the Sunset Hotel in Kumasi, culminating in a prestigious ceremony at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Distinguished Guests Honor Educators

This year’s event attracted numerous dignitaries, including Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister for Education; Hon. Simon Osei Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Minister; Dr. Eric Nkansah, the Director General of the Ghana Education Service; Mr. Robin Todd, Executive Director of T-TEL; Rev. Isaac Owusu, President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT); and Dr. William Kwame Amankra Appiah, the Regional Director of Education for the Ashanti Region.

The theme of the symposium was “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” which emphasizes the importance of incorporating teachers’ insights into the policy-making process to shape the future of education in Ghana.

Keynote Addresses and Challenges Discussed

Throughout the symposium, notable figures delivered goodwill addresses that tackled the achievements and challenges within the educational sector. Rev. Isaac Owusu praised Dr. Osei Adutwum for his unwavering support for initiatives promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

In his speech, Rev. Owusu outlined critical concerns that require immediate attention from the government:

1. Implementation of Rural Community Allowance for Teachers: This allowance, part of the Ghana Education Service (GES) Conditions of Service since 2009, has yet to be implemented, leaving rural teachers without essential support.
2. Delayed Upgrading of Teachers: The failure to upgrade many teachers to their rightful grades and ranks has led to dissatisfaction and negatively impacted morale and productivity.
3. Challenges with GES-MIS: Rev. Owusu highlighted issues surrounding the GES Management Information System (GES-MIS), particularly regarding salary payments, which have caused distress among GES staff.

In response, Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum delivered a keynote address highlighting the government’s achievements over the past seven years in improving infrastructure, curriculum development, and teacher training. He assured educators that their concerns would be addressed promptly, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing education.

Awarding Excellence: Ghana Teacher Prize 2024 Winners

The climax of the event was the presentation of awards and prizes to the winners of the 2024 Ghana Teacher Prize. This prestigious recognition aims to honor the dedication and hard work of educators across various categories, motivating them to continue their excellent work.

Awards Overview

• Non-Teaching Category:
  • Best Non-Teaching Staff: Wisdom Yaw Opoku – Saloon Car
  • 1st Runner Up: Olivia Abra Agbemafle – Motor Bike
  • 2nd Runner Up: Paul Amoah Larbi – Motor Bike

• Teacher in Leadership and Administration Category:
  • Best Teacher in Admin & Leadership: Victoria Gessey (Rev. Sist.) – Saloon Car
  • 1st Runner Up: Bernardine Barinem Pemii – GH₵ 15,000
  • 2nd Runner Up: Ghapson Buabeng – GH₵ 15,000

• College of Education Tutor Category:
  • Best College of Education Tutor: William Kwabena Nantwi (PhD) – 4×4 Pick-Up
  • 1st Runner Up: Joseph Ohene Sefah – GH₵ 1,000,000
  • 2nd Runner Up: Salifu Yakubu – GH₵ 50,000

• Teaching Category:
  • Best Teacher: Fuseina Fuseini – Three-Bedroom Apartment
  • 1st Runner Up: Richard Kojo Adomako – Saloon Car
  • 2nd Runner Up: Diana Rose Elorm Adonu – Saloon Car

• Other Teaching Categories:
  • Best KG Teacher: Annette Asieduwaa Owusu – GH₵ 20,000 and a laptop
  • Best Primary Teacher: Antoinette Kumi – GH₵ 30,000
  • Best JHS Teacher: George Ebanyenle Ackah – GH₵ 30,000
  • Best DL Practice Teacher: Faustina Asaabo – GH₵ 40,000 and a laptop
  • Best SHS Tech Teacher: Perpetual Bosomprah – GH₵ 30,000

The awards serve to motivate both teachers and non-teaching staff, fostering a positive educational environment that benefits both educators and students.

A Commitment to a Better Future in Education

The Ministry of Education and the NTC reaffirmed their dedication to improving education in Ghana, ensuring that teachers receive the support and recognition they deserve. The Ghana Teacher Prize 2024 was sponsored by several organizations, including GETFund, UNICEF, UNESCO, DataBank Ltd, SIC Life, Innolink Ltd, Prudential Bank Ltd, GNAT, NAGRAT, CCT-GH, T-TEL Ghana, and the Multimedia Group.

The celebration of these outstanding educators not only honors their contributions but also serves as a catalyst for continuous improvement in Ghana’s educational landscape, empowering teachers to influence the next generation positively.