Faith Dzakpasu receiving her prize from President Akufo-Addo
Faith Aku Dzakpasu, a female teacher at Greta ‘D’ Shepherd ‘2’ Basic School in the Greater Accra Region, emerged as the overall national best teacher or Ghana’s most outstanding teacher for 2023 at the Ghana Teacher Prize ceremony held at the Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) in Takoradi yesterday.
For her prize, a three-bedroom apartment will be built at a location of her choice.
Madam Issabella Wussah-Tetteh of Sege D/A Primary and Kindergarten School, also in the Greater Accra Region, was adjudged the first runner-up and took home a brand new 4X4 pick up, whilst Mr. Fredous Iddi-Amin of Ogbojo Presbyterian Basic School in the Greater Accra Region, went home with a saloon car as second runner-up.
The applications for the Ghana Teacher Prize were judged based on a rigorous set of criteria to select an extraordinary teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession.
‘GNAT Needs More Money’
Speaking at the event, Rev. Isaac Owusu, President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), appealed to the government to give teachers more money for their hard work.
He also appealed to the government through the Ghana Education Service (GES) to fulfil its promise of the payments of 20 per cent gross salary for teachers who accepted postings to underserved areas.
“I am appealing to government to also, refund the GH¢44.55 deducted from teachers’ salaries for the one teacher one laptop policy and ensure the supply of the rest,” he stated.
He said teachers have contributed immensely towards the advancement of the human resource growth of the country by the products they churn out from the basic schools, colleges of education, universities, and other tertiary institutions.
“This, therefore, explains why it is absolutely important that teachers are well motivated to teach effectively and efficiently,” he added.
He revealed that to operationalise the commitment of GNAT to the teaching profession, students and the community, the association has supported 50 needy school children in Bosomdo in the Shama District and Wuwuso D/A Primary School in the Wassa Amenfi District with footwears, school bags and stationery.
Dr. Eric Nkansah, Director General of Ghana Education Service, also commended teachers across the country for their resilience and devotion to duty, adding, “Indeed, all profession can boast, but a teacher taught them all.”
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi