Oguaa Holds Best Teacher Awards Ceremony

The Cape Coast Municipal Education Directorate has organised its "Best Teacher" award ceremony for the two-year period 2001 and 2002.

A number of teachers from primary to JSS were presented with awards ranging from radios and gas cookers to TV sets.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Kobena Yankson, pro vice chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), noted that it is not just any form of education that constitutes the bedrock of development, but rather quality and relevant education in which the teacher features prominently since the teacher constitutes the vital point around which the teaching and learning process revolves.

He explained that in certain circles, the teacher is seen as the guide motivator, innovator, counsellor, facilitator of co-operative learning, etc.

Prof. Yankson stated that the crucial role played by the teacher in the teaching and hearing process calls for the development of every available resource, facility and incentives which will engender within him or her the positive attitudes that will lead to the accomplishment of the ultimate objective of education by imparting to the students, the capabilities and skills with which to engage in worthwhile ventures that will lead to the advancement of society, adding that 'the teachers awards scheme should be enhanced and sustained.'

He however suggested it should be made to take a relatively shorter period of time for award winners to qualify for promotion to the next grade as a motivating factor within the Ghana Education Service, (GES).

The pro-vice-chancellor, congratulating the award winners, commended them for their devotion and commitment to their profession as teachers in spite of the many difficult situations they encounter in the discharge of the work.

Mr. Ebow Hutchful, a Cape Coaster resident in Accra who sponsored the ceremony, was instrumental in the collection of a number of the awards from Cape Coasters in Accra.

He reported that even the 30% admissions in second cycle institution given to children in Cape Coast, cannot be met due to poor academic performance of children in the municipality and promised that he would ensure that within the next two years the 30% can be achieved.

Mr. Hutchful appealed to Cape Coasters staying outside home not to wait until funerals or festivals before coming home but should endeavour to put their heads together to help improve the education of the youths at home.

The omanhene of Oguaa traditional area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, who also spoke pointed out that things are very wrong in Cape Coast and nobody else can have and correct the unpleasant situation.

Cape Coast citizens should thus not stay in isolation for things to worsen. He therefore called on all citizens of Oguaa to put their shoulders to the developmental wheel for progress and improvement.

The MCE, Mr. Munira Arafat Nuhu, who was chairman for the occasion called for the co-operation of all and sundry for the development of the municipality.

The municipal director of education Miss Veronica Fry-Annan also addressed the gathering.