President Akufo-Addo has pledged the commitment of his government to reward the hard work and contribution of teachers in the country.

According to him, his government recognises that a well-trained, confident and contented teacher is at the heart of the delivery of quality education, hence government’s resolve to prioritize their needs.

“Their professional development and needs will be treated with respect, and we shall ensure that teachers’ salaries and allowances are paid regularly and on time. My administration will also concentrate on the provision of incentives that will motivate teachers…” he assured.

Delivering his address at the 80th Anniversary of the Abuakwa State College, on the theme “Providing Quality Education through Discipline and Hard Work for Academic Excellence”, President Akufo-Addo stated that “it is clear that the provision of quality, accessible education is the fastest and most effective way to changing the fortunes of our country, and joining the group of developed nations.”

To this end, he stressed that the views of teachers will be sought on education policy, innovation and implementation.

Additionally, the President noted that the commitment of teachers to the attainment of quality education at any level is critical, stating that teacher absenteeism is one of the factors that lead to students recording not too encouraging results in the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Education examinations.

He, thus, urged Heads of institutions to root out the canker of absenteeism, stressing that “our teachers must bear in mind that they are role models to students, and they set the bar for excellence, and must, therefore, project excellence to their students. Discipline and academic excellence go hand- in-hand, so our teachers should not compromise on the rules and regulations of the School.”

Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also called on stakeholders in the education sector to strive to instill the virtues of hard work and discipline in Ghana’s school-going children.

This he said, will ensure that products of the country’s schools become useful and valuable citizens of the nation.

To guarantee this, the President noted that, “it is essential that key players in the education sector, school authorities, teaching staff, and students, are all determined, disciplined and hardworking.”

He thus assured all Senior High Schools across the country of his government’s determination to deliver quality education.

“We intend to ensure that the challenges of logistics and infrastructure, associated with the introduction of the Free SHS policy, are satisfactorily addressed. The policy is here to stay. An education that will produce dedicated, disciplined and responsible students, who will be eager and willing to participate in developing our beloved Ghana, and to become her patriotic future citizens and leaders, remains our objective,” he added.