Accra: Professor Eric Anane, Director, Institute of Education, University of Cape Coast, has called for the elevation of the status of teachers in Ghana to secure the country's future. He emphasized the importance of valuing teachers, who play a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations, on par with other professionals who benefit from their training.
According to Ghana News Agency, Prof Anane, delivering the keynote address at the Ghana Teacher Prize 2025 Symposium and Exhibition in Ho, highlighted the timely theme for this year's celebration, 'Elevating the Status of Teachers for Quality Education.' The theme underscores the urgent need to honor, empower, equip, and inspire teachers. He stated, "If Ghana is to rise, if Africa is to lead, it will be on the shoulders of teachers whose dignity, competence, and motivation have been uplifted. To elevate the teacher is to elevate the child, and to elevate the child is to secure the future."
Prof Anane posed reflective questions on whether teachers are valued as much as other professionals who benefit from their training, whether they receive conditions of service that reflect their indispensable role, and if their integrity and voices are adequately supported. He emphasized that teachers are not just transmitters of knowledge but are nation-builders, destiny-shapers, and silent architects of development.
He called for a collective resolve to uplift the teaching profession until every teacher in Ghana feels valued, respected, and motivated. Elevating the status of teachers, he argued, should not be seen as a ceremonial gesture but as a national duty, involving creating an environment where teaching is a prestigious and purposeful career choice.
Dr. Christian Addai-Poku, Registrar of the National Teaching Council (NTC), mentioned that the 2025 theme aligns with the International Labour Organisation's principles on decent work, professional recognition, and social dialogue. He stressed that achieving quality education requires teachers to feel empowered, motivated, and respected.
Mr. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister and Guest of Honour, welcomed the event's location in the region and appealed for the opening of an NTC office in Volta, which hosts eight colleges of education. He praised the tireless efforts of teachers and assured the Regional Coordinating Council's support.
The symposium, chaired by Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, President of Volta Regional House of Chiefs, featured messages from UNESCO and T.TEL, a not-for-profit organization. These messages echoed the call to elevate the status of teachers to lay a solid foundation for learners to thrive.
The Ghana Teacher Prize, an annual national award recognizing outstanding and impactful teachers in the pre-tertiary and college of education sectors, is organized by the Ministry of Education through the NTC and will conclude with a durbar on Sunday, October 5 in Ho.