Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene has acknowledged the efforts of teachers and other stakeholders in Ghana who have inspired to uplift the standard of education in the country.

He revealed that the Otumfuo Teacher’s Awards is designed to express sincere thanks to teachers especially those in deprived areas for their dedication to guide the young ones with knowledge to become effective and efficient future leaders.

“The Awards constitute my token of acknowledgement and appreciation of the indispensable role of our gallant teachers, who over the years have braced all odds to accept teaching in deprive areas,” Otumfuo said.

He delivered these words at the colorful Otumfuo Teachers and Educational Workers Awards ceremony held at the Manhyia Palace on Friday, November 29, 2019 with the theme, “Build the Foundation Now! Support Basic Education.” The program formed part of the commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the enstoolment of the Asante King on the Golden Stool and is specifically meant to recognise the role of all categories of workers both in the formal and informal towards the socio economic development of the country.

The first of the Otumfuo Teachers and Educational Workers Awards took place in May 2011 to coincide with the 11 Anniversary of the Coronation of HRM Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Since then four other ceremonies in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 have successfully been organized. The event was however put on hold between 2016-2018 to allow for the celebrations for the Funerals of the Late Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, the Asantehemaa.

“I am aware of large numbers of teachers in all parts of the country whose selfless services continue to impact positively on the quality of education in Ghana. The teachers selected for today’s awards thus represent a fraction of such dedicated and patriotic citizens of the land. All such teachers are considered Best Teachers.

“As in the past, I will not let Glorious occasion pass by without acknowledging the positive and commendable role played by numerous individuals and cooperate entities in uplifting the standard of education in the country. I am very confident that I can continue to depend on the support of such individuals and organizations in this noble course in national development,” he added.

The awards, which drives beyond the Asante expanse according to Otumfuo Osei Tutu is an implication that education plays a key role in national development therefore it is his pledge that every part of Ghana receives training to brighten every corner of Ghana.

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He added that his focus in the imminent years is towards improving basic education to inspire students to further to the higher level with excellence.

“The choice of inclusion of teachers from other parts of Ghana, more importantly those in very deprived areas beyond my Kingdom is part of my commitment of ensuring that no part of the country is left out in terms of development. In the coming years, the focus of my support will be towards building a sound and solid foundation for higher education through the improvement of our basic education,” he revealed.

He promised to support the government to improve educational standard in the country through the provision of infrastructure, reading and learning materials, scholarship for brilliant but needy persons, direct services in very deprived areas such as ICT and community cinema through the Otumfuo Mobile Learning Project.

The selection of awardees is done in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service with a notice from the Foundation Secretariat to the Regional Directors of GES about the event tentative date and followed by a request for their respective Directorates to select the number of teachers required through criteria as may be determined by the Foundation for the year in question.