To honour the dedication of educators and promote the overall well-being of the municipality, Cletus Seidu Dapilah, Member of Parliament for the Jirapa Constituency, hosted the first-ever Teachers Awards Scheme while presenting a substantial logistical support package to the Jirapa Health Service.
The grand event, held on March 10, 2026, at Naa Yelpoe II Park, recognised 22 outstanding education workers, awarding them with an Apsonic motorbike, 20 refrigerators, and 12 televisions for their exceptional service.
Addressing a lively gathering, Cletus Seidu Dapilah drew on his experience as a former acting headteacher in the remote village of Kusali to inspire newly posted teachers.
“Don’t worry about where you want to serve. Wherever your services are needed, go and serve,” he urged, highlighting the importance of dedication and adaptability.
He emphasised that rural service offers unique opportunities for recognition and pointed to a government initiative that incentivises rural educators with a 20% salary increase.
Linking well-being to educational effectiveness, Cletus Seidu Dapilah also presented a comprehensive support package to the local health directorate, stressing that good physical health is foundational to academic success.
The donation to the local health service included three Apsonic motorbikes, 60 gallons of fuel, five laptops, two air conditioners, two cabinets, and two stabilisers.
“Health is life. Even if you are a teacher and you are not healthy, you cannot teach,” the MP remarked. He also announced that his office will launch a similar awards scheme for health workers and nurses in the municipality before June.
Municipal Education Director Mr. Hudu Abdul Kadi Kunateh praised the initiative as a vital form of “external motivation”. Highlighting the broader role of educators, he described teachers as the “nurses of society,” shaping responsible and productive citizens.
The Paramount Chief of the Jirapa Traditional Area, Naa Dinaa Donglobong Ganaa III, who chaired the ceremony, praised the organisers for their noble initiative. Describing teachers as the “silent architects of every profession,” he reminded attendees that “teaching is not just a profession; it is a calling,” and urged the community to actively support educators.
The ceremony’s highlight came when Nifatom Ernestina was crowned Overall Best Teacher at the Basic Level, taking home the top prizes: an Apsonic motorbike, a 32-inch television, and a refrigerator.
The comprehensive awards scheme recognised excellence across multiple operational levels within the municipality. Mr. Bageliku Z. Fedinan was named Best Municipal Education Officer, taking top honours for his contributions.
Other major awardees included:
- Kutier Esteri – Non-Teaching Staff
- Mr. Tampouri Benedict – Senior High School category
- Balansua Peter – Junior High School category
- Mr. Iddrisu Husane – Primary category
- Soyie Doglas – Kindergarten level
In her acceptance speech, Madam Ernestina described the recognition as a collective achievement. “Teaching is not an individual effort; it is teamwork. This recognition is not mine alone; it belongs to the entire teaching and non-teaching staff,” she said, dedicating the award to her colleagues and family.
She further pledged to let the honour inspire her to work harder and mentor others in the noble profession of education.