In a heartfelt ceremony, the Okere District Education Directorate honored seventy-four dedicated teachers from primary, JHS, and SHS education levels for their exceptional service in hard-to-reach communities. The awards, given in various categories, included prizes such as 10kg washing machines, digital satellite TVs, table-top freezers, and solar lamps.
Among the distinguished awardees, Mr. Eric Kwadwo Darko, head of the Languages Department at Nifa SHS with 22 years of teaching experience, emerged as the overall best teacher for 2024. He received a citation and a 10kg washing machine for his outstanding contributions.
In the hinterlands category, fifty-four male and female teachers, including Miss Naomi Nartey (KG), Felix Ohemeng (Primary Education), and Annan Sarah (JHS Education), were recognized for their dedication to teaching in remote areas such as Kyekyeku and Nkyenoa. These teachers received table-top freezers, digital satellite TVs, and solar panel lamps.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ntow Jonathan, the Eastern Regional Cultural Coordinator for the GES, delivered a message on behalf of the Regional Director of Education. He congratulated all the teachers, especially the awardees, for their individual efforts to ensure the well-being and education of their pupils and students. He emphasized that quality education and the impartation of knowledge and discipline in the classroom require self-discipline and commitment from the teachers.
Mr. Ntow Jonathan further stated that the GES is committed to ensuring quality education at all levels and will continue to motivate teachers who align with the system. He acknowledged the challenges faced by teachers in remote areas but encouraged them to accept these challenges with good faith, assuring them that their hard work would be rewarded.
The district director of Okere, Agnes Aban, on behalf of the management and staff of the Okere Education Directorate, took the opportunity to honor Hon. Dan Kwaku Botwe, MP for Okere Constituency and former Minister of Local Government, with a citation for his charitable contributions and support for education in his constituency.
Director Aban expressed her gratitude, stating, “Honorable Dan Botwe has continuously, over decades, invested significant resources into the education sector in the Okere District. I am deeply grateful and overwhelmed by his commitment.”
In response, Hon. Dan Kwaku Botwe thanked the Okere District Education Directorate for acknowledging his efforts. He mentioned that his support for education was not for political gain but was inspired by his father’s legacy and his own passion for ensuring children receive a solid educational foundation. He expressed pride in the district’s need for more intellectuals and celebrated the contributions of renowned individuals from the area, such as Professor Adusei, Mr. Akoako, and Mr. Seth Kumi.
The ceremony was a testament to the unwavering dedication of teachers in the Okere District, especially those in challenging environments. Their efforts, supported by leaders like Hon. Dan Kwaku Botwe, continue to shape the future of education in the region, fostering a new generation of educated and empowered individuals.
Source: Nana Kwame George (Snr Freelance Journalist E/R)
