The Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service in charge of Management Services, Prof. Smile Dzisi, has urged teachers to embrace technology as a powerful ally in their mission.
She advised them to use digital tools not as a distraction, but to make lessons more engaging, “to connect your students in the remotest part of Ghana to classrooms across the globe, and to personalise learning.”
Graduation
Prof. Dzisi made the call when she addressed the Ada College of Education graduation ceremony at Ada in the Greater Accra Region.
The ceremony was on the theme, "Empowering Educators: Enriching Communities."
In all, 316 graduands passed out, made up of 91 with First Class honours, 168 with Second Class (Upper Division), 46 Second Class (Lower Division) and 10 with Third Class with one Pass.
Blend pedagogy
Prof. Dzisi reminded the newly trained teachers that their generation of educators had the unique opportunity to blend the wisdom of traditional pedagogy with the innovations of the digital age.
“Today's educational landscape presents both unprecedented opportunities and unique challenges.
We live in an era where artificial intelligence, digital literacy, and global connectivity are reshaping how we learn, teach, and connect with knowledge,” she told the newly graduated teachers.
The Deputy Director-General of GES said the government’s ambitious call for a 24-hour economy and the relentless march of the digital age had fundamentally redefined the calling of the newly trained teachers.
“You are not graduating to be custodians of a static past; you are graduating to be architects of a dynamic future.
The world needs teachers who are curators of curiosity, facilitators of critical thinking, and coaches of creativity,” Prof. Dzisi added.
More than a profession
She reminded them that teaching was far more than a profession, “It is a sacred trust, a ministry of hope and a bridge carrying dreams into the realm of possibility.”
Prof. Dzisi said each time they entered a classroom, “You carry within you the quiet power to awaken curiosity, to nurture hidden potential, and to touch lives in ways that echo far beyond the walls of learning.
“Therefore, as teachers, we have a sacred duty to prevent the mistakes we make by nurturing the children that are entrusted into our hands very well”.
She said the theme of the event captured the profound truth that education extended far beyond classroom walls.
“Every lesson you teach, every mind you inspire, every heart you touch creates ripples that flow through families, communities, and ultimately, our entire nation as teachers.
“Our theme reminds us that your role extends far beyond academic instruction. As educators, you are community leaders, social catalysts, and agents of positive change,” Prof. Dzisi reminded teachers.
She reminded them that in the rural communities, teachers often serve as the most educated members of society, adding that as teachers, they would be looked upon for guidance on issues ranging from health and agriculture to civic responsibility and democratic participation.
Prof. Dzisi advised them to “be the teacher you needed when you were a student. Be the educator who sees potential where others see problems.”
TVET teacher training
The Principal of the college, Prof. Prince Boateng, stressed the urgent need to address the TVET teacher training gap.
“As we celebrate today's graduates, let us also pledge to ensure that future generations of Ghanaian youth have access to world-class technical and vocational education delivered by well-trained professionals.
“The time for action is now. Our economic transformation depends not just on establishing technical institutions, but on having excellent TVET teachers to lead them.
“The question before us is not whether we can afford to invest in TVET teacher education, but whether we can afford not to.
Our colleges of education have the capacity, expertise, and commitment. What we need now is the vision and the will to act,” Prof. Boateng said.
