The 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize Award ceremony was held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), to recognize outstanding teachers. Abigail Agyeiwaa, an English Language teacher at Mangoase Senior High School, emerged as the Overall Outstanding Teacher and received a three-bedroom house worth GH¢700,000. Hammond Agyen and James Kwabo Sekyi were the first and second runners-up in the teaching category, receiving a 4x4 pick-up vehicle and a saloon car, respectively.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Education through the National Teaching Council (NTC), aims to promote teacher-based innovation and acknowledge the contributions of hardworking teachers. The theme for this year's event was "Empowering Teachers: Architects of the Future." Several dignitaries attended the ceremony, including the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, and the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo.
Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the guest of honour, emphasized the government's commitment to investing in teacher education. She stated that over GH¢33 billion had been allocated to the education sector for this year, with significant investments in school infrastructure, including the completion of 30 e-block projects and the construction of new schools.
The government is also working to improve access to accommodation for teachers through initiatives like the Determining Humanity initiative and the provision of 400 four-unit teacher bungalows. Additionally, 99 double-track schools have been converted to single tracks, with plans to complete the exercise and end the double-track system in senior high schools.
Vice-President Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the importance of investing in the professional growth of teachers, ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of the classroom. She noted that the world is changing rapidly, with artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and changes in labour markets reshaping the education system, which must remain adaptive.
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, announced that the government had made a commitment to pay arrears for all promoted teachers from January 2026, with a pledge to validate and pay at least 51,000 promoted teachers by October 16. The remaining teachers would have their arrears and salaries paid by the end of October.
The Vice-President congratulated the award winners and expressed pride in Ghana's children, thanking teachers across the country for their hard work and dedication to shaping young people's lives. The government, she assured, would continue to support teachers in performing their duties effectively.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has allocated over GH¢33 billion to the education sector for 2026.
- The government aims to improve access to accommodation for teachers through various initiatives.
- The 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize Award ceremony recognized outstanding teachers, with Abigail Agyeiwaa emerging as the Overall Outstanding Teacher.
