Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has rolled out an education awards scheme in the Ningo-Prampram District to honour teachers.
According to the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, the decision to institute the education awards scheme in the district is driven by a deep appreciation for teachers and a firm belief that motivation must go beyond mere rhetoric.
“For me, this is my little way of showing appreciation to the teachers in the Ningo-Prampram District. Not just paying lip service to it, but by holding this educational award system to motivate the teachers, and also motivating them with the right kinds of prizes,” he said.
Sam George stressed that teachers deserve meaningful recognition for the sacrifices they make, insisting that token items often associated with award schemes fail to reflect the value of their work.
“You see teachers’ awards, and they give them standing fans and water kettles. That’s really not what you use to motivate a teacher, you know, for all the sacrifices they do. And that’s why we’ve put in some considerable resources to ensure that the teachers go home satisfied.”
He expressed hope that the initiative would grow stronger in the coming years.
Responding to concerns about deprived and remote schools and what is being done to improve learning conditions, the MP recalled interventions made during his earlier tenure and outlined plans for renewed investment.
“Even whilst I was MP in the previous term, we did a lot in terms of basic education, re-tooling and re-equipping many of the basic schools. We bought furniture for many of our kindergarten classrooms and primary schools, and that is a programme we are going to bring back again next year to improve learning conditions.”
He also revealed that his office has also supported schools with teaching and learning materials, infrastructure development and ICT facilities across the constituency.
“We’ve invested in infrastructure as well. We built the AMDA Basic School, we built our senior school, and as we speak now, through my foundation, we’re working on a number of projects, including ICT labs,” Sam George stated.
According to him, the constituency has benefited from sustained ICT support over the years, with recent upgrades made to several institutions.
“This year alone, in just the past two or three weeks, we’ve provided and refurbished over 60 computers to three schools,” he said, naming Prampram Senior High School, Ningo Secondary Technical School and the Afienya Youth Leadership Training Institute.
He also raised alarm over sanitation challenges at Ningo Senior High School, describing the situation as dangerous for students.
“The kids are actually having to do it in the bush, and they are getting scorpion and snake bites. We’ve commissioned the construction of a 20-seater place of convenience, 10 for males and 10 for females, and we’ve done similar work at the new Ningo cluster as well.”
Sam George noted that efforts are ongoing, in collaboration with the District Chief Executive, to address accommodation challenges for teachers.
“There is a lot we are doing in infrastructure, and we’re also looking at how we can put in a number of bungalows through the assembly for teachers. We can’t fix it all in a day, but we are committed to fixing it as quickly as possible.”
Touching on the wider social challenges confronting teachers and students, the MP acknowledged the pressures facing young people in coastal and peri-urban communities.
“A lot of the young boys want to go fishing because they think that’s a quicker way to make money than being in the classroom. There are girls who, because of period poverty, are having to sell their bodies just to get sanitary materials. Thanks to President Mahama, that should come to an end.”
He stressed the importance of education as the ultimate and lasting asset for every child.
“Education is the only thing nobody can take away from you. They can take your cars, your houses, everything you have, but what you know and what you’ve learned cannot be taken away from you. Education is the priceless gift a child can get from their parents. I urge all the young kids to take their education seriously. I am living proof that education pays.”
He also appealed to teachers to remain patient and supportive despite the challenges of modern society.
“Today’s children live in a very difficult world. The distractions of the internet and technology are enough to take them away from the classroom, so we need to be patient and give them the impetus to stay and succeed.”
