DEGLORY GH MEDIA

"Hon. Mireku Duker Hosts Third Duker Teachers' and Inaugural Health Workers' Awards to Champion Learning and Wellness"

Hon. George Mireku Duker, MP for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, marked a significant day on Friday, October 25, 2024, as he hosted the third edition of the Duker Teachers' Awards and the maiden Health Workers' Awards. This combined ceremony, themed *"Championing Learning and Wellness in our Communities,"* aimed to recognize and motivate exceptional teachers, nurses, doctors, and other supporting staff whose dedication contributes to the community’s growth.

Reflecting on the journey, Hon. Mireku Duker emphasized the evolution of this award scheme. Since its inception three years ago, the initiative has grown, thanks to support from benevolent individuals and institutions who share the vision of honoring our nation’s essential workers. He attributed this continued success to the will of God, as well as the collective support of those who recognize the value of uplifting the teaching and healthcare sectors.

Last year, Hon. Duker made a promise: that in addition to recognizing teachers, he would extend this honor to healthcare professionals who tirelessly serve the community. True to his word, the scope of the awards has expanded to include health workers, acknowledging their critical role in supporting the well-being of Tarkwa-Nsuaem’s residents. This transformation of the awards into the *Duker Teachers' and Health Workers' Awards* reflects his belief that both teachers and healthcare professionals are vital to community life, deserving of encouragement and support to continue their impactful work.

Throughout his address, Hon. Duker highlighted the commitment of those who serve in challenging, remote areas, often with limited resources and under arduous conditions. Their dedication is precisely why he initiated this awards program – to acknowledge their work and bolster the spirits of those providing indispensable education and healthcare services.

This year, the awards celebrated the contributions of *21 teachers* across multiple categories, including Non-Teaching Staff, KG, Primary, JHS, SHS/TVET, Headteachers, STEM, Environmental Advocacy, and an Overall Best Teacher award. Each category recognized three top performers, with special accolades for Best Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Teacher, and Environmental Advocacy in teaching. The awards for teachers were not only about recognition but also served as a means to inspire continuous improvement and professional excellence.

In the health sector, *16 awards* were presented across five categories, including Hospital, Support Staff, Health Center/CHPS, Municipal Directorate, and Nursing and Midwifery Training College. Hon. Duker presented two Lifetime Achievement Awards to a retired Educationist and a Health Practitioner, each of whom has made a lasting impact on Tarkwa-Nsuaem through years of dedicated service.

The awards were not limited to citations and plaques; substantial prizes included motorbikes, refrigerators, chest freezers, TV sets, and cash. In a grand gesture, the Overall Best Teacher, Mr. Francis Archer from Tarkwa Senior High School, received a brand-new vehicle valued at $14,000. These prizes represent tangible support for the hard work put in by these professionals, further motivating them to strive for excellence.

Reflecting on the positive impact of these awards, Hon. Duker pointed out an upward trend in the BECE pass rates within the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality. Between 2021 and 2023, the rates improved from 76% to 84%, while the WASSCE pass rates also rose significantly, from 69.35% in 2021 to an impressive 96.5% in 2023. These achievements are a testament to the effectiveness of the awards program and its role in encouraging teachers to elevate their standards.

Hon. Duker expressed his hopes that these awards will continue to inspire both teachers and healthcare workers to give their best in their respective roles. He reaffirmed his commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure and support to ease the burdens of their work, fostering an environment where educational and healthcare excellence becomes synonymous with Tarkwa-Nsuaem.

He extended deep gratitude to the independent selection committees, all institutions, and individuals who played a role in making this event a success. He also acknowledged the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, Prof. Grace Ofori-Sarpong, Hon. Kojo Frempong, Lawyer Edward Osei, Tarkwa MCE, officials from the Ministries of Education and Health, Municipal Education and Health Directors, heads of educational institutions, students, security apparatus, and Nananom, as well as all others who attended and supported the event.

Through this heartfelt acknowledgment and celebration, Hon. Duker hopes that the collective efforts to promote learning and wellness in Tarkwa-Nsuaem will set a standard for communities nationwide.