Mr. Louis Abban, Ekumfi TV, Others to be Awarded on World Teachers’ Day.

Mr. Louis Abban

Ekumfi District Education Director Announces Awardees for Teachers' Awards Day Ceremony. In anticipation of World Teachers' Day on October 5, 2023, the District Education Director of Ekumfi in the Central Region of Ghana, Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom, has unveiled the names of distinguished individuals set to receive awards at the Teachers' Awards Day Ceremony. This prestigious event will take place at the Ekumfi Essarkyir Community Centre and will recognize the exceptional dedication and contributions of educators and community leaders to the Ekumfi District.

Mr. Hammond, CEO - Ekumfi TV

Among the notable honourees is Mr. Louis Abban, Headteacher of Egyankwaa/Owuya D/A Basic School, who has served diligently in the teaching profession for an impressive thirty-seven (37) years in Ekumfi District. Mr. Abban is due for retirement in January 2024. 

Another luminary on the list is Mr. Daniel Hammond, the CEO of Ekumfi TV, who has passionately captured the vibrant spirit of the Ekumfi District for the past three years without compensation. Through his efforts, the world has gained insight into the educational endeavours and cultural richness of the Ekumfi District.

Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom

Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom was in a live radio interview with Papa Willie, a morning show host on Coastal FM (94.9Mhz) in Mankessim together with Mr. Bentsiefi Kofi Biney (Officer incharge of Finance and Administration, Ekumfi District) and the Chairman of the Awards’ Committee and Mr. Samuel Baffoe Aikins (PRO, Ekumfi District). Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom, the District Education Director, shared his motivation for organizing the Teachers' Awards Day Ceremony, citing the principle of labour efficiency. "One of the factors is to motivate labour," he emphasized. He also expressed his deep appreciation for educators like Mr. Louis Abban, who have dedicated their lives to the noble profession without receiving the recognition they deserve. “I almost cried when I realized Mr. Louis has spent these number of years and yet no recognition or appreciation,” he said in Fante.

This event aims to acknowledge teachers who have willingly accepted postings to Hard-to-Reach Communities, as well as those who have made significant contributions to various education levels, including KG, Lower Primary, Upper Primary, JHS, Headteachers, and Retirees. Both individuals and groups that have made outstanding contributions to education in Ekumfi District will also be celebrated, with a total of 63 awards to be presented.

Mr. Samuel Baffoe Aikins, the PRO of Ekumfi District, acknowledged the challenges in organizing such events due to a lack of monetary support. Mr. Odoom also raised concerns about the issue of teacher accommodation, which poses a significant challenge to teacher retention in the district. “It is very disheartening that, elsewhere in other districts, it is facilitated by the Assembly and Member of Parliament (MP) but in Ekumfi, it is different,” he added.

Despite these challenges, the event has garnered support from various individuals and groups, including Nana Otu Essuon, Mr. Stephen Quansah, Frimps Oil, Mrs. Bernice Asare of Standard Assessment Solutions (SAS), and the Executives of the Conference of Heads of Basic Schools (COHBS) in Ekumfi.

Each awardee will receive a citation and bedecked with a medal in recognition of their outstanding contributions to education and community development. Mr. Bentsiefi Kofi Biney, Chairman for the Awards’ Committee, praised Mr. Odoom for his visionary leadership in conceiving and organizing this noteworthy event.

The Teachers' Awards Day Ceremony, featuring Mr. Louis Abban, Mr. Daniel Hammond, and other outstanding individuals, promises to be a highlight of the celebration of World Teachers' Day in Ekumfi District.