KMA AND METRO GES HOLDS 2023 BEST TEACHER AND SCHOOL AWARDS

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and the Metro Education Directorate (GES)has organized the 2023 Metro Best Teacher/Schools Awards at the Kumasi Anglican Senior High School Assembly Hall under the theme: “The Role of the Teacher in Transforming Education”.

Mr. David Oppong, the Metro Director of Education in his welcome address congratulated the awardees for their dedication and unflinching efforts to boost education in the metropolis. He said teachers were ever ready to help shape and transform education in the metropolis.

Mr. Oppong also showed appreciation to the KMA for supporting the Directorate in diverse ways including the supply of school furniture for the five (5)Sub-Metros, Construction of classroom blocks and the sponsoring of MOCK examination in the metropolis.

He however appealed for logistical and infrastructural support from government, philanthropies, corporate institutions, stakeholders, and parents.

The Kumasi Mayor, Hon. Samuel Pyne in his address indicated that the event serves as a stark reminder to all stakeholders in the education sector, emphasizing the urgent need to acknowledge and support the initiative aimed at motivating teachers to effectively and efficiently discharge their roles and responsibilities towards high quality education and transformation.

He said reflecting on the chosen theme “the role of the teacher in transforming education”, it underpins the profound impact that teachers have on the transformation of the society as education is the cornerstone of progress, and that teachers were the architects of that foundation.

Hon. Sam Pyne noted that education was the key to transformation of the society and that it was for that reason that His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government has delved into the introduction and implementation of the Standard-Based Curriculum to enhance the proper assessment of educational programs aiming to positively transform Ghanaian student for a better future.

He stated that Government has also introduced Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and the construction of STEM High Schools, Model Schools and STEM Centres.

The Kumasi Mayor indicated that teachers were essential in integrating STEM education and ensuring that students were equipped with the required skills, and that government will continue to resource and motivate teachers to acquire more knowledge, upgrade their skills, and improve upon their welfare, to motivate them to perform better.

He said the KMA has supported mock examinations in the metropolis, supplied furniture to Secondary, JHS and primary Schools and has also constructed classroom blocks and institutional toilets for schools among others. 

Hon. Pyne subsequently emphasized the significance of discipline and the avoidance of negative behaviour among students and that it was essential for them to study diligently and develop their future prospects to support the efforts of the government, teachers, and education stakeholders.

He noted that the unwavering dedication and passion of the teachers has laid the foundation for a brighter future and that their efforts have ensured that the metropolis can boast of the best schools in the country and yearly exceptional performances in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) as well as the National Science and Maths Quiz.

The Mayor finally entreated the teachers to come together and forge ahead to create a future where education is a beacon of empowerment since according to him, teachers were revered as the architects of transformation.

Some hardworking teachers and schools received citations and other prizes including microwave ovens, table-top refrigerators, LED televisions among others.

The 2023 overall Metro Best Teacher award was given to Madam Ophelia Okai Wireko, a teacher at State experimental KG who took home a plaque and an AKAI Chest-freezer.

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly also received a Certificate of appreciation for sponsoring the 2023Metro Best Teacher Awards.

The Chairman for the ceremony was the Asemhene, Nana Ampofo Kyei Baffour II and in attendance were the Regional Director of Education, Metro Co-ord. Director, heads of schools, teachers, teacher unions, students and the press.