The Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin has urged the government to provide teachers with well-deserved remuneration for their work, emphasizing the critical role they play in delivering quality education.
Addressing a durbar at Begro over the weekend, he stressed that adequately motivating teachers is essential for them to perform.
“The child needs a table, a desk to sit on but most importantly we also need quality and motivated teachers to improve learning outcomes. If you give school children all the infrastructure and laptops and there are no teachers ,learning outcomes would be affected,” he said.
The Okyehene made the call at a time when teacher unions are on the negotiation table with government for improved conditions of service.
Their current demands are centered around four issues; deprived areas allowance, extra assessment allowance, online and teaching support allowance and upward adjustment of Continuous Professional Development allowance.
The Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin called on the government to promptly address teachers’ remuneration challenges.
While acknowledging the significant investment in free Senior High School Education by the Akufo-Addo government, he highlighted the need to overcome challenges hindering the program’s success.
Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin emphasized that teacher motivation and fair compensation are crucial for achieving quality education.
“I agree that they should be given incentives as well as be given improved residential facilities to motivate them offer lessons for quality education,” he said.
He urged traditional leaders to lead with humility and respect, noting that the impact of their lives transcends material wealth.
“Do not use your authority to enrich yourself. We should use our authority to serve humanity. There is power in humility, there is authority in humility,” he advised.
The Okyehene also spoke against worsening social vices and indiscipline in communities.
“Parents, be responsible, encourage the right attitudes and uphold cultural values,” he urged.
The royal durbar organised by the Benkum Division is part of activities lined up for Okyenhene’s 25th anniversary of enthronement.
The Benkum Division is the second largest within the Akyem Abuakwa State, comprising over 300 towns and villages. In the state hierarchy, the Benkumhene, also known as the Fanteakwahene, commands the left wing of the army from his permanent residence in Begoro, the divisional capital.
On the Chieftaincy dispute at Begro, the Okyehene promised that a substantive chief would be enstooled soon to maintain the peace and development of the area.
By Yvonne Neequaye
