The second edition of the Sosu Teacher’s Award has once again set a high standard for recognizing and celebrating the dedication of educators in the Madina municipality.
The event, organized by the office of MP for Madina, Lawyer Francis Xavier-Sosu, invested over 170,000 cedis to honor teachers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and innovation in their work. The funding for this initiative came from a combination of the MP’s office, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), and generous contributions from private donors.
During the awards ceremony, MP Francis Xavier-Sosu emphasized the importance of acknowledging the hard work of teachers, stating, “Teachers deserve this kind of special treatment. Their role in shaping the future of our children is invaluable, and it is only fitting that we recognize and reward their efforts.”
This year’s awards celebrated several outstanding educators. A teacher from Bethany Home Academy in Madina Zongo took home the top prize—a brand-new car—for her innovative approach to making education more engaging for children. Madam Martha Nadia Gbeve, headmistress of Pantang Basic School, was awarded a brand-new motorcycle for her creative waste management program, which turned everyday waste into educational tools. Madam Celestine Akos Yeboah, known for her passion for promoting reading and discipline among students, received third place.
Non-teaching staff were also honored for their contributions, receiving prizes that included fridges and other household items, highlighting the broad scope of recognition within the educational community.
In his speech, MP Xavier-Sosu also addressed broader educational policies, calling on the government to do more to motivate teachers. He criticized the current requirement for teachers to pass a licensing exam, arguing that it discourages rather than encourages educators. “This exam is not motivating; it is discouraging,” he said. He also expressed support for scrapping the compulsory national service requirement for teachers, stating, “Every teacher is already performing national service until they retire or leave the profession. If this government does not remove it, the next NDC government will.”
The MP further announced plans to enhance the Sosu Teacher’s Award in future editions, including an international exchange program for winners to gain exposure to educational practices in countries like France and Switzerland. This addition aims to broaden the perspectives of Madina’s teachers and bring innovative ideas back to their classrooms.
As the award program grows, it continues to underscore the critical role teachers play in the community and the need for ongoing investment in their development and motivation. With over 170,000 cedis spent this year, the Sosu Teacher’s Award is a significant step toward recognizing and supporting the educators who shape Madina’s future.