The second edition of the Sosu Best Teachers' Award has shone a bright light on the unsung heroes of Madina's educational landscape.

At a ceremony filled with excitement and anticipation, a dedicated school teacher from Bethany Home Academy in Madina Zongo emerged as the overall winner, earning widespread acclaim and a brand-new car.

The Sosu Best Teachers' Award, a brainchild of Lawyer Francis Xavier-Sosu, the Member of Parliament for Madina, is designed to motivate and recognize teachers who have made extraordinary contributions to education within the municipality.

This year’s event was a celebration of innovation, dedication, and passion for teaching—qualities that all the winners demonstrated in abundance.

The top prize went to a beloved teacher from Bethany Home Academy, whose innovative approaches have revolutionized education in the Madina Zongo community.

Known for her ability to make learning both engaging and accessible, she has inspired students and parents alike.

The community praises her for transforming schooling into an attractive venture for children, particularly in an area where educational challenges are often significant.

Her reward, a brand-new car, was presented by MP Francis Xavier-Sosu, a testament to her hard work and dedication.

Madam Martha Nadia Gbeve, now headmistress of Pantang Basic School, clinched the second spot in this prestigious competition.

Prior to her promotion, Madam Martha's innovative teaching methods captured the judges' attention.

Facing waste management issues at various schools, she introduced an unconventional yet highly effective approach: using waste as an educational resource.

She taught her students the importance of recycling and transforming waste into useful items, even integrating these lessons into farming activities.

Her creativity and leadership earned her a brand-new motorcycle, a gift from the Office of the MP.

The third place went to Madam Celestine Akos Yeboah, a passionate educator who began her teaching career in 2016 at La Madina 1&4 Primary and JHS.

Renowned for her focus on promoting reading and discipline among students, Madam Celestine's commitment to education is unwavering.

She plans to use her prize to establish a reading club within the municipality, further fostering a culture of literacy and learning.

This year’s awards also recognized three outstanding non-teaching staff who have made significant contributions to education in Madina:

Vida Tangwam: A cornerstone at the La-Nkwantanang Madina Directorate of the Ghana Education Service since 2012, Vida has been acknowledged for her relentless efforts in educational administration.

Imoro Suemana: Head Teacher at Umar-Bun-Hatab Islamic School, Mr. Suemana has been a vital force in nurturing both academic excellence and community spirit in the Madina Zongo area over the past nine years.

Christine Naoyo Quartey: The Headmistress of WASS Experimental 1&2 Junior High School, Christine’s journey through the educational system since 2004 has been marked by perseverance and passion, earning her recognition and accolades.

These non-teaching staff members were honoured with prizes, including fridges and other gifts, celebrating their vital role in shaping education within the municipality.

The  awards were based on entries assessed by a distinguished panel, including the President of NAGRAT, Mr. Angel Carbonu.

Speaking at the event, MP Francis Xavier-Sosu shared the personal inspiration behind the project.

"There was a teacher who fed me, bought me books, and even provided my uniforms.

She profoundly impacted my life," he reminisced. "I also recall a Geography teacher who made learning fun and rewarding by organizing contests with cash prizes.

I can never forget the role of teachers in my life."

With a population of over 25,000, including a large number of school-aged children, Madina relies on motivated teachers to provide quality education and secure a brighter future for the next generation.

The MP expressed his desire for the awards to become an annual event, despite resource constraints that currently limit them to a biennial schedule.

Looking ahead, the next edition promises to take a new shape, with plans for winners to participate in exchange programmes in countries such as France and Switzerland.

The Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger, praised this year’s theme, "Service Above Self," and commended Ghanaian teachers for their role in shaping the nation by giving its youth hope and strength. "The greatest resource any society has is its people, and it is you, the teachers, who prepare this resource to reach its full potential," she noted.

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