From Joana Kumi, Komenda
The Vice Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Professor Akwasi Kwarteng Amoako-Gyampah, has called on teachers to prioritize making a meaningful impact on their students and society rather than focusing solely on personal gains.
Speaking at the 4th Brew Sam-Creedy-Komeh Ababio Annual Memorial Lecture at Komenda College of Education, Professor Amoako-Gyampah emphasized that teaching is a noble profession that thrives on selflessness.
According to him, educators must dedicate themselves to the growth and development of their students without expecting material rewards.
The event, which was held under the theme “Lawrence Alfred Creedy and the Development of Teacher Education in Ghana, 1948-1962,” highlighted the invaluable contributions of the first principal of Komenda College of Education, Lawrence Alfred Creedy.
Professor Amoako-Gyampah noted that Creedy’s unwavering commitment to education was rooted in a deep sense of duty rather than personal benefit, urging contemporary and aspiring teachers to emulate his dedication.
“The great opportunities you are enjoying now were made possible by those who came before you. Someone fought for them, and so you too must work hard and contribute to today’s education system without expecting immediate rewards,” he advised.
He further stated, “Creedy did not come to Komenda College of Education to merely make a living but to inspire generations of students who passed through this institution.”
The celebration, which coincided with World Mathematics Day, featured various activities to commemorate both occasions.
A poem was recited to mark the global event, while a drama performance vividly portrayed the historical significance of Lawrence Alfred Creedy’s leadership at Komenda College of Education.
Adding his voice to the discussion, the former Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, Most Rev. Titus Awotwi-Pratt, lamented the growing trend of insults in the country, especially in political discourse.
He observed that it has become common to see young people disrespecting their elders simply because of political differences.
“Because of politics, you will see a young man or woman insulting someone who could even be their grandfather. This is unacceptable. No matter the situation, we must respect and appreciate old age,” he stressed.
Most Rev. Awotwi-Pratt also touched on issues of personal hygiene and appropriate dressing within the teaching profession.
He emphasized that Alfred Creedy valued cleanliness and detested filth, a principle that should be upheld by teachers and students alike.
He expressed concern over the dressing habits of some teachers, stating that the way educators present themselves has a significant impact on the impressionable minds of students.
“Teachers must set a good example. The kind of dressing we see some teachers wearing these days does not reflect the dignity of the teaching profession,” he noted.
He urged teachers to be role models in all aspects of their lives, from their appearance to their conduct, as students often look up to them for guidance.
He further encouraged teachers to embrace the challenges that come with the teaching profession, reminding them that while teaching is not an easy career path, it is one that brings immense fulfillment when approached with passion and dedication.
“Teaching is not an easy job, but if you do it with a genuine heart and uphold good values, the rewards will come in due time,” he reassured them.
Also speaking at the event, the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, underscored the importance of cleanliness in the region, citing the prevalence of cholera as a major concern.
He revealed that the government was spending significant resources on treating cholera cases—funds that could otherwise be channeled into developmental projects.
“We must all take cleanliness seriously. The government is spending huge sums of money treating cholera, money that could be used for other developmental initiatives. Let’s prioritize sanitation in our communities,” he urged.
The event served as a reminder of the core values that should guide the teaching profession, reinforcing the need for selflessness, discipline, and commitment to national development.
