Minister stresses the importance of teachers' motivation

Tema, Aug 4, GNA - Papa Owusu Ankomah, the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, had stressed the need to motivate teachers to enable them to put in their best.

Launching the 12th National Best Teacher Award Scheme in Tema on Thursday, the Minister said: "no matter the quantity and quality of infrastructure, school supplies and equipment, teachers must take centre stage to make use of the facilities and resources provided to the advantage of the learner".

The Best Teacher Award Scheme was instituted in 1995 and this year's ceremony would be held in the Upper East Regional capital of Bolgatanga under the theme: "Quality Teachers, For Quality Education".

Papa Owusu Ankomah assured teachers that concerns about their welfare and the non-implementation of the new scheme of service had been well noted and appealed to them to keep calm as the government took steps to address them.

He said in line with the government's policy to put technical education at the forefront of the new Education Review and Reforms a separate category of awards had been created for teachers in government assisted technical institutions.

A separate category has also been created for teachers in special Schools.

Papa Owusu Ankomah said the introduction of the Capitation Grant that had increased enrolment in schools had made the challenges facing teachers greater.

This, he said, required refurbished schools, construction of more classrooms, increase in the supply of textbooks and other teaching and learning materials.

The Education Minister noted with concern the persistent complaints about the downward-trend in the quality of education, especially in public schools, and stressed the need for effective teaching and learning to save the situation.

He called on corporate bodies, industries, financial institutions and individual organisations to support the ministry to award dedicated and hardworking teachers.

Sheikh I.C. Quaye, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, said in a speech read for him that the annual funding of the Awards Scheme by government and other stakeholders, clearly demonstrated government's commitment to the educational sector.

He acknowledged the effective role played by teachers in national development and expressed the hope that the Award Scheme would continue to motivate them.

The Executive Vice Chairman of Databank Ltd, Mr Keli Gadzekpo who chaired the function, urged the private sector to intensify its commitment towards the provision of quality education.

He expressed the hope that winners of the award would be given more publicity and acknowledgement than beauty queens.