The Municipal Education Directorate of Prestea Huni Valley has successfully organized an orientation program for 118 newly trained teachers posted to the district. The program, which included 55 males and 63 females, aimed to familiarize the teachers with the policies, ethics, and operational guidelines of the Ghana Education Service (GES).
In his opening address, the Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Sebastian Atrema Diaw, welcomed the new teachers and provided a brief overview of the district. He emphasized the mission and vision of the GES, rooted in values such as courtesy, integrity, efficiency, teamwork, innovation, and a sense of community. Mr. Diaw noted that the achievement of these values requires collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Municipal Assembly, traditional authorities, corporate bodies, financial institutions, and other partners.
He outlined the organogram of the directorate, explaining that the Prestea Huni Valley Municipal Assembly (PHMA) is divided into 11 circuits, each supervised by circuit supervisors. He emphasized that teachers are facilitators of education, while students are the direct beneficiaries.
The orientation covered important topics such as the dos and don’ts of the profession, data collection methods, channels of communication, job progression, and professional ethics. A significant focus was placed on the standard-based curriculum, highlighting values such as critical thinking, problem-solving, cultural identity, and digitalization. Mr. Diaw announced that the new curriculum, already implemented at the basic level, would be introduced to senior high schools this year.
The gathering was addressed by the four heads of departments of the directorate: Mr. Samuel Osei, Head of Management and Supervision; Mr. Abdul Fatawu Issah, Head of Planning and Statistics; Mr. Elliot A. Amuzu, Head of Finance and Administration; Mr. Ghapson Buabeng, Head of Human Resource Management and Development.
Mr. Buabeng took extra time to elaborate on the Conditions of Service, Code of Conduct, and other relevant human resource matters, ensuring the teachers fully understood their roles and responsibilities within the GES framework.
Other notable officers present included: Mrs. Emefa Gyamfi, Training Officer; Ms. Enyonam Kamasa, Public Relations Officer; Mr. Nicholas Baah, IPPD Officer; Mr. Bright B. Yankson, Personnel Officer; Ms. Lucy Asante, SHS Coordinator; Ms. Hilda Sam, Culture Officer; Ms. Aba Quansah and Ms. Rita Baah Twum, Bogoso SISO; SHEP Coordinator Ms Comfort Adusei and G&C Coordinator Ms Henrietta Obeng Ayepah.
The program was sponsored by several organizations, including Fiaseman Rural Bank, Starlife Insurance, GNAT, NAGRAT, CCT, COHBS, MyLife Insurance, PHM Teachers Welfare, and PHM Teachers Credit Union.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Diaw advised the new teachers to maintain professionalism, respect their headmasters, and avoid consuming alcohol before attending classes. He expressed confidence in their readiness to serve and contribute meaningfully to the district’s educational development.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the insightful sessions, noting that the orientation had equipped them with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in their roles.
