Ghana Teacher Prize now symbol of national excellence – Dr. Apaak

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has stated that the Ghana Teacher Prize has evolved into a national symbol of excellence in education.

He made the remarks at the Ghana Teacher Prize 2025 Sponsors’ Appreciation Ceremony organised by the National Teaching Council at Tang Palace Hotel in Accra, where sponsors and partners were honoured for sustaining the initiative.

“It is a privilege to represent my minister at this important ceremony to honour the sponsors and partners whose sustained commitment has elevated the Ghana Teacher Prize into a symbol of national excellence,” Dr. Apaak stated.

The Ghana Teacher Prize, organised annually by the National Teaching Council, celebrates outstanding educators across the country on World Teachers’ Day, observed every October 5. The top award typically includes a three-bedroom house, while runners-up receive prizes such as 4×4 pickup vehicles and other incentives.

The 2025 edition was held on the theme, “Elevating the Status of Teachers for Quality Education,” underscoring the link between teacher recognition and improved learning outcomes.

Dr. Apaak stressed that the significance of the Prize now extends beyond awards and material rewards.

“This event is not only about appreciation; it is a reaffirmation of a shared national responsibility to recognise, support, and empower the Ghanaian teacher,” he said.

According to him, the initiative has grown into a national statement about the value of teaching.

“Over the years, the Ghana Teacher Prize has evolved into more than an awards scheme. It is now a national statement that teaching matters,” he noted.

“It affirms that the dedication of our teachers, whether in rural or urban communities, remains central to Ghana’s development,” he added.

He credited the progress of the Prize to institutional leadership and private sector backing.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the leadership of the National Teaching Council and the invaluable contributions of our sponsors and partners,” he said.

“Your investments go beyond funding; they reinforce dignity in the teaching profession and inspire excellence across the education sector.”

Dr. Apaak encouraged more organisations to support the initiative to broaden its reach and deepen the culture of recognition for teachers nationwide.