Former Presiding Member Calls for Contract Extension of Ekumfi District's Education Director

Hon. Amoasi-Andoh

In a remarkable display of appreciation and dedication to quality education in the Ekumfi District, former Presiding Member, Mr. Kwamina Amoasi-Andoh, has urged support from community leaders, dignitaries, and education stakeholders to vote in favour of a five-year contract extension for Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom, the District Director of Education for Ekumfi. Mr. Odoom's unwavering commitment and selfless contributions to the Directorate have earned him this plea for continued service.

This plea was delivered during the 2nd Awards' Day Ceremony of the District, held on Thursday, October 5, 2023, under the theme "Honouring Our Heroes for Quality Education in Ekumfi District." The event was designed to celebrate excellence and recognize teachers, especially those serving in hard-to-reach communities, with the aim of inspiring, attracting, and retaining talented educators.

Honourable Amoasi-Andoh, himself an honouree at the event, conveyed the sentiments of the community by appealing to Traditional Leaders, Clergy, Dignitaries, and education stakeholders to jointly petition the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, among other important institutions, to extend Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom's tenure. Such an extension would allow him to continue his exceptional legacy of service to the district.

During his address, Mr. Kwamina Amoasi-Andoh expressed gratitude to all awardees and emphasized the importance of valuing and cherishing teachers as invaluable assets to the community. A total of 63 awards were presented to deserving individuals during the ceremony.

The granting of this petition would enable Director Odoom and his capable team to maintain their exemplary work, in line with their vision for the 3rd edition of the awards ceremony, scheduled for May 2024. Mr. Odoom's dedication to education in the Ekumfi District serves as a beacon of hope and progress for the community.

Central Regional Education Officer Urges for Transformative Education on World Teachers' Day

Mr. B. K. Asare

Mr. Benjamin Kwasi Asare, the Central Regional Planning and Monitoring Officer for the Ghana Education Service, delivered a compelling message during the 2nd Ekumfi Education District Awards' Day Ceremony held on Thursday, October 5, 2023. The event coincided with World Teachers' Day, a global celebration of outstanding educators.

In his address on behalf of the Central Regional Director of Education, Mr. Emmanuel Essuman, Mr. Asare commended teachers and award recipients and called upon them, along with education stakeholders, to become catalysts for positive change in the world. He emphasized that the best teachers are those who inspire students to seek answers themselves, highlighting the pivotal role of educators in shaping future generations.

Mr. Armah, an awardee from Dunkwa Abontsen D/A Basic School

Acknowledging the challenges faced by teachers and schools, Mr. Asare drew attention to issues such as the deplorable condition of school buildings, citing the Dunkwa Abontsen D/A Basic School within the Ekumfi District as an example. He expressed his admiration for an award recipient from this school. Throughout his address, he emphasized the transformative potential of education, stating, "one book, one pen, one child can change the world."  

Dignitaries in a group photo with awardees

The event's centerpiece was the recognition of 63 dedicated teachers from various levels of education, ranging from Kindergarten to Senior High School, as well as Headteachers and Retirees. The celebration also honoured individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to improving education within the district. Distinguished guests included Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom (host), Traditional Leaders, Clergy, Hon. Ebenezer Kwesi Monney (DCE for Ekumfi), and his Coordinating Director, Miss. Sabina Otoo (District Director, Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam) and other District Directors of Education. 

Mr. Asare's passionate call for transformative education resonated strongly on World Teachers' Day, underscoring the crucial role that educators play in shaping the future and inspiring positive change in society.

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.

Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School Observes "My First Day at School" to Kick off the 2023/24 Academic Year

A Section of Recipients at the event

Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School in the Ekumfi District marked a significant moment today as they celebrated "My First Day at School." This heartfelt event, held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, was a special occasion for the school's newest pupils embarking on their educational journey for the academic year 2023/24.

"My First Day at School" serves as a rite of passage for both Kindergarten and Basic 1 students. For KG graduates, it signifies their transition to the more formal education environment of Basic 1. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and excitement as the entire student body gathered on the school's ceremonial grounds to witness this important milestone.

Teachers presenting items to pupils

During the event, Miss Lily Aboagye and Miss Sarah Mensah, representing the dedicated teachers of Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School, presented a selection of essential items to the eager pupils. These thoughtful gifts included Exercise Books, Pencils, Erasers, and Biscuits. The students responded with resounding applause and enthusiasm, appreciating the generosity of their teachers.

Capturing the memorable moments for posterity, Mr. Daniel Hammond from Ekumfi TV was on hand to take photographs of the event.

The Headteacher of the school, Mr. Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie, took the opportunity to address the pupils, offering words of wisdom and guidance. He emphasized the importance of regular attendance and punctuality, urging students to take their academic responsibilities seriously as they embark on this new chapter of their educational journey.

Recipients in a group photo with teachers

The highlight of the celebration was the distribution of these essential items to eleven (11) fortunate pupils. This act of kindness is expected to inspire and motivate the recipients to attend school regularly and take their studies seriously, setting a positive example for their peers.

As Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School observes "My First Day at School," there is an air of excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead in the academic year. The school community eagerly awaits the arrival of more new entrants, who will undoubtedly benefit from the warm and nurturing educational environment the school provides.