Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, joined hundreds of educators, policymakers, and stakeholders at this year’s Ghana Teacher Prize celebration held at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho on Sunday, October 5, 2025.
Sharing her reflections on social media, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang described the event as a heartfelt celebration of the men and women whose dedication keeps Ghana’s educational system alive.
“Earlier today, I joined the celebration of this year’s Ghana Teacher Prize at the University of Health and Allied Sciences,” she wrote.
“I was accompanied by Hon. Alex Segbefia, my Chief of Staff, the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Hon. Dr. Ofosu Ampofo, my Advisor, Hon. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, and others.
The event was held under the theme ‘Elevating the Status of Teachers for Quality Education’ and was organized by the National Teaching Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service.”
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, a former Minister for Education herself, reaffirmed the Mahama-led government’s commitment to teachers and the education sector, emphasizing that education remains a cornerstone of national progress.
“His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama and I express our appreciation for the teaching fraternity,” she stated.
“Education is at the core of our democracy, national development, and the government’s reset agenda.
“Teachers are central to nurturing the talent and skills that will drive our government’s key policies.”
Reflecting on the history of the Ghana Teacher Prize, she praised its legacy of honoring selfless educators since its establishment in 1994 under the late President Jerry John Rawlings.
“Since the inception of the Ghana Teacher Prize in 1994 under President J.J. Rawlings, the awards have celebrated the selfless men and women whose dedication continues to shape our nation,” she noted.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also announced new government-backed initiatives designed to improve teacher welfare and professional development.
“Government is working tirelessly to strengthen education policies.
“We have tasked the Ministry of Education to explore more accommodation options for teachers, especially in rural areas, with the introduction of the Teacher Dabrɛ initiative,” she revealed.
“The Ministry is also introducing a Digital Training Programme to enhance digital literacy among teachers.
“I also note the importance of mental health and wellbeing and urge continuous capacity building in this area.”
While acknowledging the strides made, she was candid about the need for further action to improve the living and working conditions of teachers.
“I acknowledge that more must be done to improve conditions for teachers who continue to improvise in the face of challenges,” she said.
The former education minister also used the platform to call for discipline, professionalism, and mutual respect in the education sector.
“I also use this opportunity to condemn all forms of indiscipline and violence against teachers and equally urge teachers to uphold integrity and professionalism,” she said.
“The revival of Parent-Teacher Associations will strengthen collaboration and promote shared responsibility in education.”
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang ended her message with heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients, especially Richard Tiimob of Savelugu Senior High School, who was named Most Outstanding Teacher of the Year.
“Teachers remain the architects of our nation’s future. Their work is as noble and essential as any other profession.
“My congratulations go to all award winners, with a special mention to Richard Tiimob of Savelugu SHS, who won the Most Outstanding Teacher award.
“I thank him and every devoted teacher for their service,” she concluded.
