By Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Takoradi, July 10, GNA -Professor Eric Bruce-Amartey Jnr. Dean of Students Affairs at the Takoradi Technical University (TTU), says motivating teachers is not an expense but an investment with immeasurable returns.
“A motivated teacher produces motivated learners, responsible citizens, and stronger communities; a nation that neglects its teachers mortgage its future”, the Dean of Students affairs at TTU established.
He was speaking at the maiden Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Education Teachers Awards ceremony in Takoradi in the Western Region.
He described the theme, “Motivate, Elevate, Excel,” as both timely and profound because motivation inspired purpose, elevation-built capacity, and excellence was natural outcomes… These are not merely inspirational words; they are educational imperatives”.
Professor Bruce-Amartey said every great nation was first built in the classroom before it was built in Parliament.
“Every Journalist, engineer, doctor, entrepreneur, scientist, judge, or professor was once a learner under the guidance of a teacher,
Teachers do far more than impart knowledge; they awaken curiosity, nurture resilience, cultivate discipline, and inspire confidence. Their greatest achievement is not measured by examination results alone, but by the lives they transform and the generations they shape.”
He therefore called on the private sector, non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations, philanthropic institutions, alumni associations, and community leaders to partner the Government in supporting teacher motivation.
“Whether through scholarships, teaching resources, school infrastructure, mentorship programmes, or digital innovation, every investment in teachers is ultimately an investment in Ghana’s future”, he indicated.
He noted that today’s learners were digitally connected but often emotionally isolated and though they had unlimited access to information, they were increasingly exposed to misinformation, peer pressure, anxiety, and identity struggles.
Consequently, the teacher’s role now extends beyond academic instruction, adding that teachers must also serve as mentors, counsellors and role models, helping students to develop not only intellectually, but morally, emotionally and socially.
He said the greatest threat confronting educational institutions today was the increasing incidence of drug and substance abuse among young people.
The misuse of opioids, tramadol, cannabis, alcohol, and other harmful substances is destroying promising lives, resulting in poor academic performance, mental health challenges, violence, school dropout, and crime.
Professor Bruce-Amartey said even more worrying was the growing link between substance abuse and chronic kidney disease, liver damage, and other life-threatening health conditions among students.
“I encourage you to continue teaching with compassion, discipline, and integrity. Remain attentive to the emotional and behavioural changes in your students. Your encouragement, vigilance, and timely intervention may save a young person’s future”.
Mr. Frederick Faidoo, the Metropolitan Chief Executive of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), said teaching was a sacred duty to mould minds and hearts and that teachers who continued to live in this divine mandate must be praised duly on earth also.
He said that schools in STMA should be setting benchmarks and become synonymous with academic, distinctions, technical innovation, and moral integrity.
The STMA Chief Executive said the assembly was also aware of the plight of schools and teachers in the metropolis; “we are fully aware that the growth of the metropolis depends largely on the quality of human resource, therefore, we will continue our investment in education and teacher development”.
Mr. Edmund Aggrey-Forson, the Metropolitan Director of Education said the award scheme had been instituted to recognize commitment, sacrifice, resilience and professionalism of teachers who continued to shape the future of the Ghanaian child.
He was grateful to their sponsors for making the ceremony worthwhile.
Mr. Macarious Zugah, Chairman of the Awards Committee said 42 entries were received after which interviews and school inspections were also carried out to arrive at the awarded adding, “we are so impressed with the contributions of the teachers which still gives hope to quality education delivery in the metropolis “.
Key among the awardees were: Mr. Anthony Eshun, who took the best Headteacher for the Bedu Addo Basic school while, Mr. Bernard Kojo Johnson, Garrison was adjudged the most promising young teacher.
Sir Henry, a teacher at Mampong a suburb of Takoradi took the Hard-to-Reach area award and Services Basic School was the Best School in the Metropolis.
Madam Naomi Koomson, from Old Hospital Basic school was crowned the most outstanding teacher.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/George-Ramsey Benamba
Reporter: Mildred Siabi-Mensah