On Thursday, October 5th, 2023, the Western Region of Ghana, specifically Sekondi-Takoradi, took center stage as it hosted the prestigious Ghana Teacher Prize Awards 2023.

The grand event unfolded at the auditorium of the Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) and welcomed a diverse array of dignitaries, teachers, non-teaching staff, and the general public from across the nation, all gathered to celebrate the invaluable contributions of educators.

In an interview on Kyzz FM's morning show with Dr. Sharckles, Mrs. Sally Nelly Coleman enthusiastically described the event as a resounding success.

She emphasized that the vibrant atmosphere of the occasion beautifully highlighted the Western Region's role as the host and underscored the tremendous efforts invested to make the event a reality.

A standout moment of the ceremony was the surprise announcement of out-of-turn promotions by Dr. Eric Nkansah, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES).

Mrs. Coleman praised this commendable initiative, noting that deserving individuals within the service were promoted to higher ranks and handed their appointment letters on the spot—an uncommon occurrence that added to the event's significance.

The recent issue of 10,000 teachers relocating to the UK also found a place in the discussions. Madam Sally Coleman revealed that speakers at the event addressed the matter, with President Nana Akuffo Addo promising to investigate and address the concerns raised by the teachers.

Addressing the ongoing concerns of underpayment and job satisfaction among teachers, Mrs. Coleman asserted that while these issues are valid, the focus should extend beyond monetary compensation.

She stressed the importance of collective efforts in addressing these challenges and expressed optimism that the President's promise to engage with the Minister for Education before the year's end would lead to meaningful improvements.

In her view, teachers play a crucial role in national development and should be supported to perform their duties effectively.

Regarding the issue of deployment inequalities highlighted by Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister for Education, Mrs. Coleman acknowledged the preference of some teachers for urban postings over underdeveloped areas.

She identified this as a significant challenge, noting that despite available incentives, the allure of city postings remains strong.

Nevertheless, Mrs. Coleman encouraged teachers to approach their work with unwavering dedication, emphasizing the pivotal role they play in shaping the future of the nation.

She concluded by stating that educators should take pride in nurturing the next generation of leaders, recognizing that their efforts will bear fruit when they witness their former students succeeding in various fields.