Mamfehene calls for improved teacher motivation, discipline in schools

Osaberima Ansah Sasraku III, Chief of Mamfe and Kyidomhene of Akuapem, hosted a banquet to honour and motivate teachers in the Mamfe-Akuapem. He urged them to remain committed to shaping the future of the youth. Osaberima Sasraku III said teachers must critically reflect on the profession they have chosen and embrace their responsibility in nurturing children into responsible citizens and future leaders. He also expressed concern about after-school celebrations and "pens down" parties that often follow the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), warning that such activities could expose young people to negative influences, including teenage pregnancy and drug abuse.

The Chief Executive of the Akuapem North Municipal Assembly, Mr. John Evans Kumordzi, commended the Mamfehene for organising the programme to recognise teachers. Mr. Kumordzi noted that although technology has made learning resources more accessible, educational standards in many communities continue to decline. He said he had recently met with the Member of Parliament on education-related issues, and they had agreed on measures to improve the sector in the municipality. The Assembly has allocated part of its Common Fund to procure dual desks, teachers' tables, and chairs to address furniture shortages in schools.

Mr. Kumordzi announced plans to introduce scholarships for needy but brilliant students and award packages for hardworking teachers. A retired teacher from Kwamoso, Reverend Patrick Kwabena Cudjoe, told the gathering that rapid technological advancement and the Sustainable Development Goals now require children to be self-motivated and eager to learn to fully realise their potential. Reverend Cudjoe expressed concern over what he described as a decline in discipline in schools, saying caning and other traditional corrective measures had largely been removed from child upbringing.