Ghana’s 2020 National Best Teacher Named Finalist for Prestigious Global Teaching Prize

Eric Asomani Asante, who was honored as Ghana’s National Best Teacher in 2020, has emerged as one of the top 10 finalists for the esteemed Global Teacher Prize Award for the current year. This recognition is a testament to his exceptional contributions to the field of education and his dedication to nurturing young minds. Mr. Asante, an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) teacher at the Naylor SDA Basic School in Tema Community 6, was selected from an impressive pool of over 7,000 nominations and applications spanning 130 countries.

This achievement marks the second time that a Ghanaian educator has been shortlisted among the top 10 finalists for the Global Teacher Prize. In 2021, Evans Odei, a Mathematics teacher at the Achimota School, received this distinction.

The Global Teacher Prize, now in its ninth year, was established to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of educators to their profession and to emphasize the pivotal role teachers play in society. With a substantial cash award of $1 million, this prize, organized by the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize in partnership with UNESCO, stands as the largest of its kind worldwide.

The winner of this prestigious award will be announced at the 42nd session of UNESCO’s General Conference, scheduled to take place from November 7 to 23, 2023, in Paris, France. Among this year’s distinguished finalists, Mr. Asante represents Africa alongside another nominee, Geisha Bonilla from Chile. The remaining finalists include educators from Ukraine, the USA, Pakistan, Canada, the UK, South Africa, France, and India.

During a meeting with the Minister of Education, Mr. Asante expressed his optimism about securing the ultimate prize. He affirmed his commitment to educational initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing the sector’s quality. Notably, he invested part of his prize money to establish a science and ICT laboratory at his alma mater. Additionally, he distributed thousands of ICT and Science textbooks to underserved schools across Ghana, provided computers to underprivileged schools, and contributed to the construction of a school in the Gbetsile community.

Mr. Asante has also played an active role in training teachers throughout the country, further demonstrating his dedication to educational development. His tireless efforts and commitment to enriching Ghana’s educational landscape have positioned him as a strong contender for the Global Teacher Prize.

In response to Mr. Asante’s achievement, Dr. Adutwum, the Minister of Education, commended the teacher and highlighted the significant contributions of Ghanaian educators to the field of education. He emphasized that globally recognizing one of Ghana’s top 10 teachers underscores the country’s dedication to delivering quality education.

Dr. Christian Addai-Poku, the Registrar of the National Teaching Council, underscored the importance of teacher reforms in Ghana, which have played a crucial role in enhancing teachers’ capabilities. These reforms have empowered educators to maintain comprehensive records of their work, a requirement for the Global Teacher Prize. Ghana’s consistent success in teacher prize events, with four victories out of five held on the continent, reflects the nation’s commitment to education excellence.

As Ghana proudly celebrates the recognition of Eric Asomani Asante as a finalist for the Global Teacher Prize, it is a testament to the country’s dedication to nurturing exceptional educators and fostering a brighter future for its students.

Source: [Graphic Online]