By Erica Apeatua Addo
Tarkwa (W/R), May 14, GNA – The maiden edition of the “Tarkwa Diocesan Bishop’s Educational Excellence Awards” has been hosted at the Gaddiel Acquaah Methodist Cathedral, Tarkwa in the Western Region.
The Right Reverend Dr. Samuel Dua Dodd, Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Tarkwa Diocese, initiated the awards to showcase his commitment to promote educational excellence and motivate individuals to strive for greatness.
“Pursuing academic excellence: The role of the church” was the theme for the event.
A total of twelve individuals were honoured for their outstanding performances in 2024. They took home citations, flat screen televisions, refrigerators, jerseys, bibles, and cash prizes.
In the best headteacher category, Mr Seth Musah, of Ntontom Methodist Primary in Kyekyewere circuit won while, Mr Joshua Kow Abew, of Dunkwa Methodist Junior High School (JHS) in Dunkwa circuit received the best runner-up teacher and Miss Naomi Buabeng of Rev. Gaddiel Acquaah Methodist Basic “B”, Tarkwa was crowned the best teacher.
Under the schools with the highest single aggregate category in the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), Ebenezer Methodist Academy, Aboso, emerged the winner, while Ayamfuri Methodist Basic School and Aboso Methodist Primary were declared the best schools in the Central and Western Regions.
Also, BECE candidates who obtained single-digit results during the same period were Priscilla Nkrumah, of Rev. Gaddiel Acquaah Academy, Tarkwa, Christabel Thompson, of Aboso Methodist JHS and Richlove Syram Bedzirah, of Diaso Methodist, JHS, Diaso.
The others were Abigail Asare, Lordina Biney, Pamela Abotar and Anastasia Arhin, all past students of Ebenezer Methodist Academy in Aboso.
In a speech, Right Reverend Dr. Samuel Dua Dodd, Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Tarkwa Diocese, stated that during his first inaugural address at the Tarkwa Diocese’s 39th annual synod, he envisioned to institute an annual award for outstanding teachers, schools, and students.
He said a committee was, therefore, set up through the diocesan coordinating office of education and youth to bring this vision to life, adding, educational awards played a significant role in promoting academic excellence.
According to the Diocesan Bishop, acknowledging students hard work would leave a lasting impact and influence their educational as well as future endeavours.
“For more than a century, education has been recognized as essential for societal advancement. The idea that students should learn to transform their communities has been a key issue for stakeholders” Rt Rev. Dr. Dodd noted.
He remarked “it’s not surprising that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals emphasized education as a vital component for achieving global transformation. The role of education is not only impacting knowledge but also shaping societal values”.
The Bishop advocated an education system that taught children the importance of being responsible, honest, helpful, and respectful.
Mrs Catherine Biney, Municipal Director of Education, Tarkwa Nsuaem, reminded teachers that “in the Ghana Education Service, we believe recommendations are essential, whether they come from close interactions or observation from a distance”.
She added that “this initiative has my full support, and I hope it attracts more philanthropists and stakeholders to make it even bigger.
Mrs Biney urged teachers to strive for excellence by nurturing their learners with knowledge and Christ-like character to shape their lives.
Mr Matthew Obeng, the Tarkwa Lay Chairman, who chaired the ceremony commended the Bishop and mentioned that establishing the award has not only acknowledged teachers, schools, and students but it has underscored the church’s responsibility in education.
In addition, he said, it has reaffirmed John Wesley’s conviction that education is a powerful tool for transformation, adding, “this reflects the church’s mission not to only spread the gospel but to educate and shape minds”.
Professor Samuel Nfur, Chairman for the committee on education and youth development in the diocese highlighted the fairness in the selection of the awardees and encouraged others to work hard for recognition in the coming year.
Miss Anastasia Arhin, on behalf of the awardees thanked the Bishop and entreated the students to work diligently to earn similar awards.
GNA
JP/KOA