It was an all-women affair as Sabina Aba Dosu , Philippa Darko and Christiana K. Yeye were the frontrunners in this year's Ghana Teacher Prize 2019.
The event was held today October 5, 2019, at the Paa Joe Stadium of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi (KNUST).
Sabina Aba Dosu of the St. Dominic’s R/C JHS at Akwatia in the Denkyembour District of the Eastern region emerged the Most Outstanding Teacher, Philippa Darko of the State Experimental School, in Kumasi emerged the first runner-up, while Christiana K. Yeye of the Yumba Special School for the Intellectually Disabled in Tamale, Northern Region, emerged the second runner-up.
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Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia who graced the occasion presented a three-bedroom house worth GH¢180,000 donated by SIC Life to Sabina Aba Dosu.
Sabina receiving her prize
Sabina after the announcement broke into tears of joy, with members of her large entourage and several teachers consoling her.
Philippa received a 4X4 pick-up vehicle
Philippa was presented with the keys to her prize of a 4X4 pick-up vehicle while Christiana won a saloon car.
Christiana received a saloon car
The theme for the celebration was "Young Teachers, the Future of the Profession".
Vice President Bawumia, Special Guest, acknowledged the special role and contributions of teachers towards nation-building, and pledged the continued commitment of the government to seek their welfare.
“It is often said, that if you can read, thank a teacher, that is indeed true, but let me add this, if you can think, thank a teacher. I say this because our teachers do not only teach us to read and to do multiplication of tables, they challenge and inspire us, help us to explore and maximise our abilities and talents and bring out the potential in us. Teachers excite our imagination and bring the world to the confines of our classrooms, as much as they carry us out into the world beyond those walls, and reach out to other cultures and societies through the power of the written and spoken word. Teachers are our friends, our inspirers and solid rocks in the lives of many young children, especially those who are coming from poor homes where3 education is yet to take root.â€
Dr. Bawumia said beyond the classroom, teachers are the pillars of communities, taking up many roles and responsibilities in the society and whose worth carried their weight in gold.
“I salute our gallant teachers who in many instances work under challenging instances and conditions. This nation is grateful and we will not forget you. We must and will continue to strive to make life better and more dignifiedâ€, he added.
Touching on the theme of the occasion, Dr Bawumia said the youth of every organization truly reflects its future and that education cannot be any different, “which is why we continue to take steps to ensure that young people are attracted into the profession as a first and not a last option.â€
He said in line with government efforts to empower teachers to better their professional and social lives, the Ministry of Education in collaboration with development partners was developing a comprehensive teacher policy for approval and subsequent implementation. The policy, he added, will enable the Ghanaian teacher be competitive at the international level.