Tarkwa: The maiden edition of the 'Tarkwa Diocesan Bishop's Educational Excellence Awards' has been hosted at the Gaddiel Acquaah Methodist Cathedral, Tarkwa in the Western Region. The Right Reverend Dr. Samuel Dua Dodd, Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Tarkwa Diocese, initiated the awards to showcase his commitment to promoting educational excellence and motivating individuals to strive for greatness.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event, themed 'Pursuing academic excellence: The role of the church,' honoured a total of twelve individuals for their outstanding performances in 2024. The awardees received citations, flat screen televisions, refrigerators, jerseys, bibles, and cash prizes. Mr Seth Musah of Ntontom Methodist Primary in Kyekyewere circuit won the best headteacher category, while Mr Joshua Kow Abew of Dunkwa Methodist Junior High School (JHS) was recognized as the best runner-up teacher, and Miss Naomi Buabeng of Rev. Gaddiel Acquaah Methodist Basic 'B', Tarkwa was crowned the best teacher.
In the category for schools with the highest single aggregate in the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), Ebenezer Methodist Academy, Aboso, emerged as the winner. Ayamfuri Methodist Basic School and Aboso Methodist Primary were declared the best schools in the Central and Western Regions, respectively. Among the BECE candidates who achieved single-digit results were Priscilla Nkrumah of Rev. Gaddiel Acquaah Academy, Christabel Thompson of Aboso Methodist JHS, and Richlove Syram Bedzirah of Diaso Methodist JHS, Diaso, along with several others from Ebenezer Methodist Academy in Aboso.
In his speech, Right Reverend Dr. Samuel Dua Dodd emphasized his vision to institute an annual award for outstanding teachers, schools, and students, which he announced during his inaugural address at the Tarkwa Diocese's 39th annual synod. He expressed that educational awards play a significant role in promoting academic excellence and acknowledging students' hard work, which can have a lasting impact on their educational and future endeavors.
The Bishop highlighted the importance of education for societal advancement, noting its role in transforming communities and shaping societal values. He advocated for an education system that instills responsibility, honesty, helpfulness, and respect in children. Mrs Catherine Biney, Municipal Director of Education, Tarkwa Nsuaem, supported the initiative and hoped it would attract more philanthropists and stakeholders. She encouraged teachers to nurture their learners with knowledge and Christ-like character.
Mr Matthew Obeng, Tarkwa Lay Chairman, commended the Bishop for establishing the awards, which underscore the church's responsibility in education and reaffirm John Wesley's belief that education is a powerful tool for transformation. Professor Samuel Nfur, Chairman for the committee on education and youth development in the diocese, highlighted the fairness in the selection process and encouraged others to strive for recognition in the future.
Miss Anastasia Arhin, speaking on behalf of the awardees, expressed gratitude to the Bishop and urged students to work diligently to earn similar awards in the future.