The Member of Parliament for Sissala West in the Upper West Region and Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has launched the first-ever teachers’ award scheme in the constituency to honour hardworking and dedicated educators.
The initiative, dubbed the Sukparu Best Teacher and Scholarship Awards, rewarded more than 20 outstanding teachers, including retired and serving education officers, with prizes such as cash rewards, citations, 40-inch LED televisions, table-top refrigerators, laptops and motorbikes.
Additionally, 365 brilliant but needy students, both fresh and continuing, received scholarship packages worth over GH¢500,000 to pursue various tertiary programmes.
Addressing teachers, students, traditional leaders, government appointees, party executives and other stakeholders, Mr. Sukparu underscored the transformative power of education and the vital role teachers play in shaping the future of the district.
He reflected on his personal journey, attributing his success to teachers who believed in him and supported his growth. According to him, education opened doors that would otherwise have remained closed, adding that the awards scheme was inspired by his own experience of the impact committed teachers can have on a child’s life.
“This programme exists because I know what a good teacher can do for a child, and I refuse to take it for granted,” he stated. Mr. Sukparu highlighted the persistent shortage of teachers in the district, noting that many posted teachers fail to remain because of difficult working conditions and lack of recognition.
He said the awards scheme was a deliberate intervention to appreciate teachers’ sacrifices and motivate them to stay and serve.
The Deputy Minister also assured the public that the selection of awardees was transparent and merit-based. He explained that an independent committee made up of representatives from the District Education Directorate, head teachers, assembly members and retired educators handled the process.
Congratulating the award winners, he urged them to continue striving for excellence, while encouraging those who were not selected to remain committed to duty. Mr. Sukparu reaffirmed his commitment to making education a priority in Sissala West and pledged to work closely with the Ghana Education Service and other stakeholders to improve teacher retention and student support.
The Upper West Regional Director of Education, Madam Alice Ellen Abeere-Inga, challenged teachers to remain committed regardless of prevailing constraints. She recalled periods when classes were held under trees, yet quality outcomes were achieved because of teachers’ dedication.
She urged teachers to uphold professionalism and integrity, especially during examinations, warning against malpractice, which she said threatens the credibility of Ghana’s education system. According to her, any teacher found culpable would face severe sanctions, including dismissal.
Madam Abeere-Inga also advised students to stay focused on their education and avoid the lure of quick money. She cited the increasing involvement of some youth in illegal mining and other informal activities at the expense of schooling.
“Concentrate on your education now, and you will have the opportunity to make the money you desire in the future,” she advised. Meanwhile, the Overall Best Teacher for 2026, Adamu Balubuo Yussif of Wasai D/A Basic School, dedicated the award to his students, colleagues and family.
He described teaching as a calling that goes beyond classroom instruction and often requires personal sacrifice to support students. “Teaching is about seeing potential in a child who has lost hope and doing everything possible to bring it to life,” he said.
He commended the MP for recognising teachers, saying such gestures reinforce the importance of education in community development.
From Musah Umar Farouq, Gwollu
The award scheme is expected to become an annual platform to reward excellence, motivate teachers and strengthen education delivery in Sissala West.
