Tarkwa MP Rewards Best Teacher With Car Worth $14,000

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Tarkwa-Nsuaem in the Western Region, George Mireku Duker, has rewarded some 21 teachers, 16 health workers and two retirees in the constituency, for their dedicated and meritorious service.

Mr Francis Archer of Tarkwa Senior High School (SHS), won the Overall Best Teacher award and took home a brand-new saloon car, valued at US$14,000, during this year’s edition of the Duker Teachers’ Awards held at Tarkwa.

Other award winners, received prizes ranging from motorbikes, refrigerators, chest freezers, TV sets, and cash, depending on the category and level.

Award categories

This year’s awards, saw 21 teachers, receiving various awards from categories such as, Non-Teaching Staff, KG Category, Primary Category, JHS Category, SHS/TVET Category, and Headteachers Category, with each of those categories awarding (1st, 2nd, and 3rd winners) the Best Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Teacher, Best Teacher for Environmental Advocacy, and Overall Best Teacher.

Regarding the Health Awards, 16 awards, were won from five categories, namely the Hospital Category, Support Staff Category, Health Center/CHPS Category, Municipal Directorate Category, Nursing and Midwifery Training College and the Best Health Worker.

Two Lifetime Awards, were also presented to a retired educationist and a health practitioner, and one other special award.

All award winners, were presented with citations and plaques as well.

MP’s message

Addressing the gathering at the ceremony on Friday, October 25, 2024, Mr Duker, who is also the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, said the aim of establishing the award scheme, was to “honour, celebrate, and motivate hardworking Teachers, Nurses, Doctors, and supporting staff” to do their best for the community.

This year’s event was under the theme, “Championing Learning and Wellness in our Communities”.

The MP, could not hide his pride and joy with the work done by the teachers and healthcare workers in the constituency endowed with gold minerals.

According to him, the Awards ceremony, which has been running for three years now and culminates in millions of Ghana Cedis, has been supported by benevolent individuals, institutions, and the will of God.

He noted that, during last year’s ceremony, he promised to progressively start honouring extraordinary health professionals, who work hard and tirelessly to provide effective healthcare services and save lives.

“True to my pledge, the tag name “Duker’s Teachers Awards,” as it was for the last two years, has metamorphosed into “Duker’s Teachers and Health Workers Awards.”

I am of the firm believe that, teachers and health workers, are critical professionals in our communities”.

He told the gathering that, “Our existence on Earth depends greatly on these two professions, which require the necessary attention and support”.

Reason for Award

Touching on the rationale behind instituting the award scheme, Mr Duker said, “Some teachers and health workers practice in remote areas that are not commutable by transportation, yet they continue to give their best.

These are some reasons I set forth this journey through my good self to improve learning, teaching, and healthcare in the Municipality”.

Good Results

He indicated that the award scheme, is really motivating Teachers in the Municipality, per available reports and data.

The BECE pass rate in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, the MP said, has “increased from 76% in 2021 to 82.5% in 2022 and 84% in 2023. That is indeed refreshing. Also, WASSCE Pass Rates improved from 69.35% in 2021 to 78.25% in 2022 and to 96.5% in 2023”.

He said, “It is my hope that, Teachers and Health Workers will continue giving their best in their line of duty, as we keep delivering the necessary infrastructure and support to ease their work,” adding “Tarkwa-Nsuaem must be associated with excellent delivery in its various Education and Health institutions”.

The MP, expressed his profound gratitude to the independent award selection committees, as well as institutions and individuals who in one way or the other supported the event.

He extended special appreciation to the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, Prof. Grace Ofori-Sarpong, Kojo Frempong, Lawyer Edward Osei, the MCE of Tarkwa, Officials from the Ministries of Education, Health, Municipal Education and Health Directors, Heads of all Education Institutions in the Municipal, students, security apparatus, Nananom, and all others who graced the occasion.

Source: Anchorghana.com