Asantehene honours 130 rural-based teachers

One hundred and thirty teachers of public basic schools from rural areas across the country have been honoured by His Royal Majesty, King of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfour Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace the Ashanti Regional capital.

The Otumfuo Teachers and Education Workers Awards was introduced six years ago to reward and motivate teachers who work in rural areas.

Teachers were selected from all regions across Ghana.

Themed, “Build the Foundation Now; Support Basic Education", the 7th edition since 2011 when it was instituted, the award ceremony was to appreciate hardworking teachers who have taught for five years in such deprived areas.

The award scheme initiated by the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Charity Fund (OOTCF) has awarded over 600 teachers across the country by the Asante monarch with various goodies including cash, laptops, refrigerators and scholarships to teachers to further their education from master’s degree to PhD levels.

Otumfuo’s Address

The Asantehene in his address commended teachers for their selfless and dedicated role towards improving the educational system in the country, most especially in the rural communities.

“It is of great pleasure to find teachers who are serving selflessly in deprived communities and even at instances of diminutive resources. This and many more are the issues that prompted such a colourful ceremony today.”

“We want this platform to serve as motivation and appreciation for all teachers to continue the good work done”. Otumfour added.

Nana also commended all stakeholders including the supporting institutions and individuals who have enhanced the initiative since its inception in 2011.

He further called for collaborated efforts from individuals and institutions who are not stakeholders to come on board to aid encourage teachers who are wholeheartedly contributing towards the progress of education in the country.

“I want to especially appreciate all stakeholders for their noble contributions that have sustained the initiative since 2011, on behalf of Nananom I want to commend you for your tireless effort towards the initiative”.

Award winners delight

Some of the awardees in an interview with otecfmghana.com expressed delight for the honour done them by the Asantehene.

Some award recipients after showing appreciation and showering divine blessings for the Royal Monarch, shared their impression on the event and some of the challenges facing those working in remote communities.

“It is not easy. Asking parents to buy stationery for their children...absenteeism is at its peak...you have to convince them a lot before you get them to teach”, one recipient revealed.

The recipients also expressed their gratitude for the award and said they were inspired to work harder.