2005 National best teacher shows appreciation

Sunyani(B/A), Nov. 22, GNA - Mrs. Naana Doris Marfo, 2005 National best teacher on Monday set the Brong Ahafo Regional capital, Sunyani agog when she rode in a pick up to acknowledge cheers and congratulations from the residents.

Students of Sunyani Senior Secondary School, where Mrs. Marfo is an

English tutor, Directors of Education accompanied her with brass band music through the principal streets, amid singing and dancing. Three other teachers from the region who also won national awards accompanied her.

They were Mr.Albert Edusei of Twene Amanfo Secondary Technical School in Sunyani, who was adjudged the best in vocational/technical, Ms Margaret Kwakyewaa of Sankore in Asunafo district who was third in the JSS division and Mr. Addae Bersa of the Ghana Education Service (GES)at Atebubu, second in the non-teaching staff category.

Mrs. Marfo later called on Nana Kwadwo Seinti, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister who gave the assurance that the Government was making efforts to alleviate the plight of teachers in the country.

He urged teachers to reciprocate the gesture and improve on their performance, noting that their low remuneration and unattractive working conditions was a disincentive for the delivery of quality education.

Nana Seinti congratulated Mrs. Marfo and her colleagues for making the region proud and commended all those who assisted in the achievement.

He expressed optimism that the awards would encourage other teachers in the region to work harder.

Mrs. Marfo expressed appreciation to the Headmaster and staff of SUSEC for their support and assured the Regional Minister that they would continue to work hard to achieve more laurels for the region. She appealed to the Government to improve conditions of service of teachers and called for the expansion of the awards scheme, "since there are equally good and competent teachers who were not honoured." Mrs Marfo called for more programmes on girl-child education and urged NGOs and parents to help promote education for the girl-child for more literate women.

Speaking at a dinner organised in honour of Mrs Marfo by authorities of SUSEC, Mrs Akua Debrah, Brong Ahahfo Regional Director of Education, called on teachers in the region to ensure that winning of awards reflected on the academic performance of their schools. She urged parents to assist in the moral and academic development of their children. 22 Nov.05