An Outstanding Achievement Awards Scheme was launched on 24th April, 2024, at the Conference Hall of the Regional Co-ordinating Council, Koforidua, by the Regional Education Directorate with the theme, “Inspiring Change: Recovery Begins with Teachers”.
The purpose of the launch of the was to recognize and acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and contributions of teaching and non-teaching staff towards the growth of education in the region, so that, it would serve as an incentive for teachers to improve their teaching methods and skills, and to inspire excellence in the classroom.
In an address delivered on behalf of the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong, Mr. John Donkor, the Chief Director of the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council, said the theme, “Inspiring Change: Recovery Begins with Teachers,” was on the importance of education in driving positive change and fostering recovery of quality education in communities, adding that, the role of teachers in this process could not be overstated.
Mr. John Donkor, noted that, it takes one person normally termed as the “change agent”, to effect a phenomenal change in a static environment to get the vision realised. He said teachers should be game-changers by easily identifying gaps and opportunities in their environment of work and tend to have diverse knowledge on how to fill these gaps and exploit the opportunities for increased output.
The Chief Director of the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council highlighted that, education is a journey, not a destination. He noted that, the Sustainable Development Goal Four – Quality Education – serves as a roadmap for teachers and stakeholders to strive towards excellence and ensure that every child in the region receive the education they deserve.
Mr. John Donkor who duly launched the Outstanding Achievers Awards of the Regional Education Directorate, to kick start the initiative that would celebrate the unsung heroes of the education system, further said that, the efforts of government in the development of teachers were producing positive results in ensuring that, the Sustainable Development Goal four (SDG 4) is attained, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
The Eastern Regional Director of Education, Dr. Mrs Ivy Asantewa Owusu said the Outstanding Awards would improve morale and motivation among the teaching and non-teaching staff in the region, as well as promote positive relationships between teachers and learners, and to acknowledge the vital role of educators in the society.
Dr. Mrs Ivy Asantewa Owusu noted that, education is not just about imparting knowledge, but it is about empowering individuals, unlocking their potentials and preparing them for a future filled with opportunities.
She highlighted that, those to be honoured on the climax day of the Outstanding Achievement Awards Ceremony, which will be in the second week of July, 2024, deserve gratitude for selflessly devoted their lives to shaping the minds and hearts of learners.
The Eastern Regional Director of Education, said one hundred and fifty (150) teaching and non-teaching staff in the region will be awarded on the climax day in the following categories: Best Kindergarten Teacher, Best Primary teacher, Best Junior High School teacher, Best non-teaching staff (Accountants, Auditors, Logistic and Supply manager, Matron, Secretariat staff), adding that, sixty-six (66) non-teaching lower ranked Staff would also be awarded, Best performing schools deprived communities, Leadership Award (Best teacher, Leadership in Administration), Manager in Education Units, Directors of Education and Special Awards ( would be based on management’s discretions).
Committees to oversee the success planning of the program was inaugurated by the Municipal Chief Executive of New Juaben North, Hon. Edward Boateng Asante.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman for the occasion, Nana Twumasi Danquah, the Gyasehene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, who stood in for the Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area, said the program which is to ensure that, educators are well celebrated and honoured for their exemplified exceptional dedication to their profession was a good one, and praised the Co-ordinating Council milestone achieving this.
The launching was attended by all Municipal and District Directors of Education, Managers of Educational Units, Heads of the Second Cycle Schools.