Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) has presented a brand-new 4x4 pick-up to Hammond Agyen of Manhean Anglican ‘D’ Primary School in Tema, the first runner-up in the Teacher category of the 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize. The presentation took place at the 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize ceremony held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), organised by the Ministry of Education through the National Teaching Council (NTC) to mark World Teachers’ Day.
The Ghana Teacher Prize recognises excellence, professionalism and dedication within the teaching profession. The ceremony was specially graced by the Vice President of the Republic, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who paid tribute to teachers for their contribution to education and national development and congratulated the award recipients. UMB’s contribution is part of its sponsorship of the Ghana Teacher Prize, through which the Bank supports the recognition and celebration of teachers whose dedication and service continue to shape Ghana’s future.
According to UMB, the teaching profession embodies a value that sits at the heart of the Bank’s identity: reliability. Teachers show up every day, teach, guide, nurture, encourage and prepare successive generations, often working for outcomes whose full impact may only become visible years later. Their contribution is built on consistency, trust, commitment and an unwavering sense of responsibility — qualities that strongly resonate with UMB’s own understanding of reliability.
Edem Knight-Tay, Head of Corporate Communications at UMB, said that reliability is not simply about being present; it is about being consistently present when needed. He added that teachers are among the most reliable architects of Ghana’s future, and at UMB, that resonates deeply with who they are. Since 1972, UMB has built its reputation around being there for its customers and communities when it matters.
The recognition of Mr Agyen provides a tangible moment to celebrate the wider contribution of teachers and the thousands of teachers across Ghana whose daily work continues to shape the country’s next generation. The presentation also coincided with the final day of GNAT Week 2026, reinforcing UMB’s continued engagement with the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and its support for the teaching profession.
For Hammond Agyen, the recognition marks an important milestone in his career dedicated to education and service. He expressed gratitude to UMB for this recognition, saying it encourages him to keep doing his best for his students and for the community. The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, also expressed appreciation to UMB for its sponsorship of the Ghana Teacher Prize.
UMB celebrates Mr Agyen and the achievements recognised through the Ghana Teacher Prize, while also saluting the thousands of teachers across Ghana who continue to show up, serve and invest in the country’s future. Edem Knight-Tay added that a teacher’s impact can extend to a family, a community, an industry and ultimately a nation, and that is the power of consistency and reliability.
Key points
- UMB presents a 4x4 pick-up to Hammond Agyen, first runner-up in the Teacher category of the 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize.
- The Ghana Teacher Prize recognises excellence, professionalism and dedication within the teaching profession.
- UMB’s sponsorship of the Ghana Teacher Prize is an expression of its belief in celebrating and supporting teachers who contribute to Ghana’s progress.
