Dr Apaak honours teacher with GH¢10,000 for two decades of service amid conflict in Bawku

The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, has honoured a teacher who has served in the conflict-prone Bawku Municipality for 20 years, describing him as “a true hero” whose dedication deserves national recognition.

Dr Apaak presented Mr Yussif Abdul Fatahu with a cash donation of GH¢10,000 in appreciation of his unwavering commitment to educating children despite the prolonged insecurity in the area.

The Member of Parliament for Builsa South, who doubles as Deputy Minister, encouraged the teacher to continue impacting knowledge and shaping the future of young learners.

The recognition follows a 2025 feature by GBC News Upper East Regional Correspondent, Peter Agengre, which highlighted the inspiring story of Mr Abdul Fatahu.

In the report, the teacher explained that his love for children and belief in their future had motivated him to remain at his post while many others left due to the recurring conflict.

Speaking to journalists in Bolgatanga after meeting Mr Abdul Fatahu, Dr Apaak praised the teacher’s courage and selflessness, saying his service exemplifies the highest ideals of public service.

“I am privileged to be in the company of a very dedicated, committed and loyal teacher who has spent 20 good years teaching in Bawku. We often look too far for heroes, but if we look closer, we live with heroes every day,” he said.

While expressing hope for lasting peace in the Bawku enclave, the Deputy Minister acknowledged that the protracted conflict has severely disrupted essential public services, particularly education and healthcare.

“We know the volatile situation has affected many public institutions, including teaching and nursing. To come across the story of a teacher who has stayed and continued teaching in an environment where many have fled for 20 years convinced me that this story needed amplification,” he stated.

Dr Apaak noted that public servants are expected to serve not only during peaceful times but also to make sacrifices during difficult periods, sometimes at great personal risk.

“Some have lost their lives trying to serve under these circumstances. By the grace of God and through his own resilience, Mr Abdul Fatahu has survived and continued teaching for two decades. That is heroic, and I felt it was important to recognise his sacrifice,” he said.

Presenting the donation, Dr Apaak described the GH¢10,000 as a modest gesture to acknowledge the teacher’s outstanding service.

“I know this is not enough, but it is a token of appreciation for your many years of sacrifice. On behalf of the Minister of Education and His Excellency the President, we acknowledge and appreciate your continuous dedication. We also know many others are making similar sacrifices, and as they come to our attention, we will equally recognise them,” he added.

Receiving the award, Mr Abdul Fatahu expressed gratitude to the Deputy Minister for the recognition and pledged to remain committed to providing quality education to children in Bawku despite the challenges.

He said the honour would inspire him to continue serving his pupils with dedication and hoped his story would encourage other teachers working under difficult conditions to remain steadfast in their profession.