The Accra Archdiocesan Education Committee (AEC) has honoured eight teachers from Catholic Private schools in the Accra Archdiocese for their dedication and commitment to education at the second edition of the Teachers’ Day celebration.
Held on Friday, 9 October 2026, at the St Bakhita Parish, Community 20, Lashibi, the event was organised to recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions of teachers in Catholic private schools across the Archdiocese.
Following the inaugural celebration in October 2025, this year’s event brought together heads of school, teachers and learners from the eight Catholic private schools: St. Theresa’s School, Kaneshie; Mary Mother of Good Counsel, Airport West; Christ the King International School, Cantonments; Bishop Bowers School, Laterbiokorshie; Corpus Christi Basic School, Community 18; St. Bernadette Soubirous School, Dansoman; St. John the Evangelist School, Adenta; and Corpus Christi High School, Community 20. The gathering included approximately 500 staff members and 60 learners.
The celebration began with Holy Mass, officiated by Very Rev. Fr. Francis Adoboli, Parish Priest of St. Bakhita Parish and former Chairman of the AEC. The heads and staff of the participating schools attended the Mass in their colourful school clothes. The Corpus Christi High School Choir led the congregation in songs, while learners from the various schools assisted in different liturgical roles.
Fr Henry Ahorlu, Vice Chairman of the AEC and representative of the Proprietor of the Catholic private schools, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, C.S.Sp., commended the teachers for their dedication and hard work and expressed appreciation for the sleepless nights and unseen sacrifices they make for the growth and well-being of their learners.
In his homily, Fr. Ahorlu reminded the teachers that God has entrusted them with an important responsibility of shaping children into responsible citizens. He prayed for grace, perseverance, and endurance as they continue to give their best in forming young people into better members of society.
The second part of the celebration began with a parade of school flags, accompanied by readings of the history of the participating schools.
Welcoming the guests, Mr Emmanuel Dzregah, AEC Coordinator, reflected on the success of the inaugural celebration and expressed gratitude that the event had returned for a second edition. He described the gathering as evidence that the schools were “stronger, more united and more convinced that a teacher’s work must be celebrated.”
Mr Dzregah also introduced the theme for the celebration: “Celebrating Commitment: Shaping Young Minds for God and Country.” He explained that the theme recognises the sacrifices, innovations and dedication teachers demonstrate in educating and forming the young people entrusted to their care. He added that Catholic schools seek not only to prepare learners to earn a living, but also to help them live with discipline, moral uprightness and patriotism.
In his keynote address, the AEC Chairman, Rev. Fr. Dr. George Obeng Appah, described teaching as the foundation of every profession and the starting point for the development of society. He noted that teachers do more than deliver academic lessons; they help shape the character, moral values and integrity of young people.
He emphasised that, within Catholic education in Ghana, the goal of teaching is to form the “heart, hands and mind” of learners, preparing them to become responsible citizens who stand for what is right, resist corruption and serve the common good.
Fr. Appah also drew attention to the challenges facing the teaching profession, particularly the perception that teaching is a fallback career. He called for greater recognition, improved working conditions, professional development and stronger institutional support for teachers. At the same time, he urged educators to uphold the dignity of their profession through professionalism, integrity and a firm commitment to guiding every learner towards excellence.
Speaking on the criteria and selection process for the award winners, Mr Jasmine Agbewornu, Assistant Headteacher of Christ the King International School, outlined the qualities considered by the selection committee.
These included regularity and punctuality, discipline, the quality of lesson notes and work output, relationships with learners and staff, recommendations from colleagues, participation in co-curricular activities, and a minimum of two years of service in the respective school.
Eight teachers, one from each participating school, received plaques and cash prizes. The awards were sponsored by Fidelity Bank and Glico Insurance. A special award was also presented to Rev. Sr. Paula Nkansah-Otchere, HDR, in recognition of her dedicated and long service as a headteacher in some of the schools before her retirement.
In his closing remarks, Fr Ahorlu thanked all participants for their presence and acknowledged the sacrifices teachers make in the service of education. He encouraged them to remain committed to their work and to continue raising the standard of Catholic education.
By Sr Jennifer Aba Aikins, HDR
