The Member of Parliament for Jirapa Constituency, Cletus Seidu Dapilah, has honoured outstanding educators and strengthened local health services through the maiden Teachers Awards Scheme and a substantial logistical support package to the Jirapa Health Service.

The ceremony, held on March 10, 2026, at Naa Yelpoe II Park, saw 22 exceptional educational workers receive prizes including an Apsonic motorbike, 20 fridges, and 12 televisions.

Addressing the gathering, Cletus Seidu Dapilah drew on his experience as a former acting headteacher in Kusali, urging newly posted teachers to embrace rural service. “Don’t go round worrying big men that this is where I want to serve. Wherever your services are needed, please go and serve,” he said, highlighting government incentives such as a 20% salary increase for rural educators.

Linking health and education, the MP also presented the local health directorate with a support package comprising three Apsonic motorbikes, 60 gallons of fuel, five laptops, two air conditioners, two cabinets, and two stabilizers. “Health is life. Even if you are a teacher and you are not healthy, you cannot teach,” he noted. He further announced that a similar awards scheme for health workers and nurses will be rolled out before June.

Municipal Education Director Hudu Abdul Kadi Kunateh lauded the initiative as vital “external motivation,” describing educators as the “nurses of the society” who mould responsible citizens. The Paramount Chief of Jirapa Traditional Area, Naa Dinaa Donglobong Ganaa III, who chaired the event, hailed teachers as “silent architects of every profession” and urged the community to actively support them.

The ceremony’s highlight saw Nifatom Ernestina crowned Overall Best Teacher at the Basic Level, winning an Apsonic motorbike, a 32-inch television, and a refrigerator. Other top honourees included Bageliku Z. Fedinan (Best Municipal Education Officer), Kutier Esteri (Non-Teaching Staff), Tampouri Benedict (Senior High School), Balansua Peter (Junior High School), Iddrisu Husane (Primary), and Soyie Doglas (Kindergarten).

In her acceptance speech, Madam Ernestina dedicated the award to her colleagues and family, noting: “Teaching is not an individual effort; it is teamwork. This recognition is not mine alone; it belongs to the entire teaching and non-teaching staff.” She pledged to use the honour to mentor others and continue contributing to the profession.