To recognise the tireless efforts of educators and ensure the holistic well-being of the municipality, the Member of Parliament for the Jirapa Constituency, Cletus Seidu Dapilah, has held the maiden Teachers Awards Scheme while simultaneously handing over a massive logistical support package to the Jirapa Health Service.

The grand ceremony, held on March 10, 2026, at the Naa Yelpoe II Park, distributed an Apsonic motorbike, 20 fridges, and 12 televisions to 22 exceptional educational workers.

Addressing the vibrant gathering, Cletus Seidu Dapilah drew on his personal journey as a former acting headteacher in the remote village of Kusali to challenge newly posted teachers.

"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 advised.

He emphasised that rural service offers unique opportunities for recognition and highlighted a government initiative aimed at incentivising rural educators with a 20% salary increase.

Highlighting the undeniable link between well-being and effective education, Cletus Seidu Dapilah presented a comprehensive support package to the local health directorate, stressing that physical health is foundational to academic success.

The robust donation to the health service included three Apsonic motorbikes, 60 gallons of fuel, five laptops, two air conditioners, two cabinets, and two stabilisers.

"Health is life. Even if you are a teacher and you are not healthy, you cannot teach," the MP noted.
He used the platform to announce that his office will roll out a similar awards scheme for health workers and nurses in the municipality before June.

Municipal Education Director Mr. Hudu Abdul Kadi Kunateh lauded the awards as an essential act of "external motivation". He noted that teaching goes far beyond instructional delivery, describing educators as the "nurses of the society" who mould useful citizens.

The Paramount Chief of the Jirapa Traditional Area, Naa Dinaa Donglobong Ganaa III, who chaired the occasion, commended the leaders for the noble initiative. Describing the teacher as the "silent architect of every profession", the revered chief reminded the gathering that "teaching is just not a profession; it is a calling" and appealed to the community to actively support educators.

The highlight of the ceremony saw Nifatom Ernestina crowned the Overall Best Teacher at the Basic Level, taking home the ultimate educator's prize of an Apsonic motorbike, a 32-inch television, and a refrigerator.

The comprehensive scheme also recognised various operational levels across the municipality, with Mr. Bageliku Z. Fedinan taking home the Best Municipal Education Officer award.

Other top honourees who received major prizes included Kutier Esteri for Non-Teaching Staff, Mr. Tampouri Benedict for the Senior High School category, Balansua Peter for Junior High School, Mr. Iddrisu Husane for the Primary category, and Soyie Doglas at the Kindergarten level.

Delivering her acceptance speech, Madam Ernestina described the recognition as a collective victory. "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 stated, dedicating the award to her colleagues and family.

She assured the gathering that the honour challenges her to work harder and mentor others in the noble profession.