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The former Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, Most Rev. Titus Awotwi-Pratt, has expressed concern over the indecent dressing of some teachers, stating that the way educators present themselves has a significant impact on the impressionable minds of students.
He urged teachers to be role models in all aspects, especially in appearance and conduct, as students often looked up to teachers for guidance.
"Teachers must set a good example. The kind of dresses we see some teachers wearing these days does not reflect the dignity of the teaching profession," he noted.
Most Rev. Awortwi-Pratt was speaking at the 4th Brew Sam-Creedy-Komeh Ababio Annual Memorial Lecture at the Komenda College of Education on Friday.
The event, which was held on the theme: "Lawrence Alfred Creedy and the Development of Teacher Education in Ghana, 1948-1962", highlighted the invaluable contributions of the first principal of the Komenda College of Education, Lawrence Alfred Creedy.
Most Rev. Awortwi-Pratt further encouraged teachers to embrace the challenges that come with the teaching profession, reminding them that while teaching was not an easy career path, it brought immense fulfilment when approached with passion and dedication.
"Teaching is not an easy job, but if you do it with a genuine heart and uphold good values, the rewards will come in due time," he reassured them.
Most Rev. Awortwi-Pratt further lamented the growing trend of insults in the country, especially in political discourse, adding that it had become common to see young people disrespecting elders because of political differences.
The students
"Because of politics, you will see a young man or woman insulting someone who could even be their grandfather. This is unacceptable. No matter the situation, we must respect and appreciate old age," he stressed.
Most Rev. Awotwi-Pratt urged teachers to build learners with virtues of respect and discipline for a more harmonious society.
He emphasised that Alfred Creedy valued cleanliness and detested filth, a principle that should be upheld by teachers and students alike.
The Vice-Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Professor Akwasi Kwarteng Amoako-Gyampah, speaking on the theme, advised teachers to prioritise imbibing virtues of selflessness and integrity in their students and society to help produce a more morally upright human resource need for accelerated growth rather than focusing solely on personal gains.
Professor Amoako-Gyampah emphasised that teaching was a noble profession that thrived on selflessness.
According to him, educators must dedicate themselves to the growth and development of their students without expecting material rewards.
Professor Amoako-Gyampah noted that Creedy’s unwavering commitment to education was rooted in a deep sense of duty rather than personal benefit, urging contemporary and aspiring teachers to emulate his dedication.
He stated that "Creedy did not come to Komenda College of Education to merely make a living, but to inspire generations of students who passed through this institution."
The Central Regional Minister, Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, underscored the importance of cleanliness in the region, citing the prevalence of cholera as a major concern.
He revealed that the government was spending significant resources on treating cholera cases, funds that could otherwise have been channelled into developmental projects.
"We must all take cleanliness seriously. The government is spending huge sums of money treating cholera, money that could be used for other developmental initiatives. Let’s prioritise sanitation in our communities," he urged.
