The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Abenney-Mickson, delivered the keynote address at the 2024 Best Teacher/Worker Award and Retirees Send-Off Ceremony of the Ningo-Prampram District Directorate of Education.
The event was held on Friday, 12 December 2025, at St. Joseph’s Anglican Chapel, Prampram, under the theme: “Empowering the 21st Century Educational Worker: The Pivot of Transformation in Ningo-Prampram.”
The ceremony was graced by traditional rulers, including Nene Osroagbo Djanmah XII, Paramount Chief of the Ningo Traditional Council, and Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area, as well as Members of Parliament, education officials, distinguished guests, award recipients, and retirees. Also present was the District Director of Education for Ningo-Prampram, Hon. Solace Osei-Appiah.
Prof. Abenney-Mickson paid glowing tribute to teachers, educational workers, and retirees whose dedication and resilience continue to shape the future of education in the Ningo-Prampram District, often in the face of limited resources and systemic challenges. He commended the District Education Directorate for institutionalising the awards scheme and called on all stakeholders to support and sustain the initiative in the years ahead.
Drawing inspiration from Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s philosophy on education, the Pro Vice-Chancellor emphasised that true education goes beyond knowledge and skills to include sound judgement, service, and empathy. He stressed the need for strong stakeholder engagement, continuous professional development, and supportive work environments that empower educational workers to become agents of transformation within their communities.
Referencing research on educational standards in the Ningo-Prampram District, Prof. Abenney-Mickson underscored the importance of adequate resourcing—not only for schools and learning centres, but also for the personal well-being of educators. He further advocated for equal opportunities and inclusive empowerment, drawing lessons from James MacGregor Burns’ Transformational Leadership Model, where collective growth leads to sustainable community development.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Abenney-Mickson congratulated all award winners and retirees for their exemplary service and encouraged all educational workers to remain steadfast, assuring them that dedication and consistency will ultimately be recognised. He expressed gratitude to the organisers for the invitation and for hosting a meaningful celebration of excellence, service, and vision. Central University remains committed to partnering with educational institutions, communities, and policymakers to nurture transformational leaders and advance quality education in Ghana and beyond.