A.A.K. District Education Director bows out after 40 years

The District Director of Education for Abura Asebu Kwamankese in the Central Region, Dorcas Brenda Asare, has bowed out of active service after attaining the compulsory retirement age of 60. 

She served for 40 years. Mrs Asare began her service in 1984, starting as a classroom teacher and rising through the ranks to become district director.

The district directorate held a retirement ceremony for the outgoing director on the theme: “Celebrating His Faithfulness @ 60 & 40 years of dedicated service in Ghana Education Service.”  

The ceremony attracted dignitaries from all walks of life ranging from traditional rulers, government representatives, district directors within the region and beyond, members of the Conference of Heads of Basic Schools (COHBS), and union representatives.

Amid speeches and presentations of different kinds, the gathering was thrilled by spectacular performances from various entertainment groups. 

Gratitude

In her speech, Ms Asare extended her appreciation to God and all those who were instrumental in her workspace.  

“I thank God for giving me that grace to come this far,” she said.

She further used the occasion to admonish those who were still in active service, most particularly, teachers, education officers and directors, to take their tasks seriously.  

“I saw teaching as a lifestyle after graduating from the training college — love all hate none, and so, no matter what, I have never held hatred in my heart. No matter what, no matter the situation, and I thank God for that,” she said

She encouraged the teachers to translate same to the handling of all classroom situation as they dealt with learners.

Ms Asare entreated the officials not to ever carry bitterness against anyone irrespective of the unpleasant encounters with them.  

Working condition

The Central Regional President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Rev. Dr Isaac Owusu, bemoaned the poor working conditions of teachers, which led to countless strikes almost every year.

“This ceremony is very colourful and rewarding, but we can do better as a nation to make the teaching profession very attractive and rewarding,” he said.

He said although the director for instance, had served for 40 years, “what we are seeing here is plenty citations and picture frames”.

Dr Owusu said the retiree would have been receiving ex-gratia if she had been a Member of Parliament or in politics for just four years, but not citations.

Goodwill messages poured in from the offices of various personalities present, including the Abura Asebu Kwamankese District Assembly, the traditional council, Regional Education Directorate, Conference of Directors of Education, all in recognition of the good works of the outgoing Director.

The District Public Relations Officer, George Tieku, commended the outgoing director, for her efforts at raising the standards of education in the district.

“This director has been very instrumental as far as her duties were concerned. She was affable and rallied all towards the betterment of the district,” he said.