The Member of Parliament (MP) for Sissala West in the Upper West region, who also serves as the Deputy Minister of Communication, Digital Technology & Innovation, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has instituted the first-ever teachers’ award scheme to appreciate hardworking and dedicated teachers in the Constituency.
The award scheme christened “Sukparu Best Teacher & Scholarship Awards,” saw little over 20 outstanding and dedicated teachers, including retired and current District education staff, awarded with various prizes such as cash amounts, citations, 40-inch LED TVs, table-top fridges, Laptops, and motorbikes.
In addition, some 365 brilliant but needy students including fresh and continuing, were given different forms of scholarship packages to study various programmes at the tertiary level, valued at over GHC500,000.
Addressing a gathering of educators, students, government appointees, traditional leaders, party executives and stakeholders, the Member of Parliament for Sissala West, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, underscored the transformative power of education and the critical role of teachers in shaping the future of the district.
He reflected on his personal journey, attributing his success to the dedication of teachers who believed in him.
Noting that education opened doors that would otherwise have remained closed, he stressed that the awards scheme was inspired by his firsthand experience of the impact of committed teachers.
“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.
The Deputy Minister for Communication Digital Technology, & Innovation, highlighted the persistent shortage of teachers in the district, revealing that many posted educators do not remain due to difficult conditions and lack of recognition. He described the awards initiative as a deliberate intervention to appreciate teachers’ sacrifices and motivate them to stay and serve.
Sukparu assured the public that the selection of awardees was transparent and merit-based, involving an independent committee made up of education stakeholders, including representatives from the district education office, headteachers, assembly members and retired educators.
Congratulating the award recipients, he urged them to continue striving for excellence while encouraging those who were not selected to remain committed to their duties.
Sukparu reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising education in Sissala West, pledging to work with the Ghana Education Service and other stakeholders to improve teacher retention and student support.
Alice Ellen Abeere–Inga, the Upper West Regional Director of Education, challenged teachers to demonstrate commitment regardless of constraints, recalling periods when teaching under trees still produced excellent results due to dedication.
She urged teachers to uphold professionalism and integrity, particularly during examinations, warning against malpractice which she said threatens the credibility of Ghana’s education system. She cautioned that 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, citing the increasing involvement of 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, often requiring 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, stating that such gestures reinforce the importance of education in community development.
The award scheme is expected to become an annual platform to reward excellence, motivate teachers and strengthen education delivery in Sissala West.
By Ibrahim Abubakari Wangara
