A Morning of Reflection and Resolve: DDE Doris Ofori’s Stirring Address to Headteachers

On the bright morning of Thursday, May 15th, 2025, the Pentecost Church Auditorium in Foase in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region came alive with the footsteps and chatter of headteachers from every corner of the district. The occasion was more than a routine gathering—it was a moment of reflection, recalibration, and renewed commitment, led by none other than Ms. Doris Ofori, the District Director of Education (DDE).

Standing poised before the attentive audience, Ms. Ofori opened with warmth and reverence.

“Good morning, colleagues,” she greeted with a smile that masked the seriousness of her message. “It is both an honor and a privilege for us all to meet together as a family and deliberate on issues of concern to our noble profession.”

She welcomed everyone back from the Easter break, wishing them a happy and productive end to the academic year. Her message was laced with gratitude to God for life, strength, and favor—an anchoring point for educators committed to shaping future generations.

The auditorium then fell silent as she called for a moment of solemn remembrance. Some members of the education fraternity, she noted with sorrow, had passed on. All rose to their feet as a minute of silence was observed in their memory. “May their souls find a resting place in the bosom of Abraham,” she intoned with quiet reverence.

Then, with a deliberate shift in tone, she moved to the heart of her address: the pressing matters that affect schools, teachers, and students alike.

Empowering Teachers Through Orientation

Ms. Ofori began by commending the recent Common Core Assessment Orientation held at the same venue. She reminded the selected subject teachers and headteachers who attended to replicate the training in their schools and to embrace technology—particularly AI—to generate sample questions in preparation for the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), scheduled for June 11th to 18th.

She also announced that a similar workshop would soon be held for teachers at the primary and kindergarten levels and urged headteachers to keep them informed and prepared.

Fighting Examination Malpractices

“Let us not give room for  examination malpractices, ” Ms. Ofori cautioned. She issued a strong warning against extorting money from students in the name of centre fees, T-shirts, or other unauthorized charges. “Desist from such practices,” she said firmly. “It tarnishes the image of our noble profession.”

No Trading in Classrooms

One of the more unsettling revelations of the morning came next. Ms. Ofori condemned reports of teachers selling sausages, toffees, soya beans, and biscuits to students—sometimes even on credit. “It’s embarrassing,” she said bluntly. “Please, let them stop it. If a headteacher is involved, advise yourself.”

Unearned Salaries and Audit Absenteeism

The tone turned even more serious as she addressed the issue of unearned salaries. According to auditors’ findings, some headteachers and SISOs were complicit in allowing teachers who had vacated their posts—often for opportunities abroad—to continue drawing salaries.

“Why would you cover for someone who has left the service?” she asked. “Don’t get yourself into trouble.”

She expressed disappointment at some headteachers who failed to participate in the recent audit exercise despite being given the opportunity to submit documents digitally. Though she chose not to name names publicly, she made it clear that the heads of Heman M/A Primary, Apampatia M/A JHS, Deikrom M/A Basic, and Nwinsa M/A Basic should see her privately.

Driving Student Performance and Cultural Pride

Turning her focus to student achievement, Ms. Ofori emphasized the importance of improving learning outcomes. She called for the revival of reading programs at the school, circuit, and municipal levels, announcing that the Otumfuo Community Reading Challenge would take place this term.

She also encouraged participation in upcoming cultural activities, urging schools to take pride in promoting heritage alongside academics.

Accountability and Leading by Example

Ms. Ofori urged headteachers to continue monitoring the quality of teaching, ensuring prompt feedback to learners, organizing remedial sessions, and vetting lesson plans. But beyond administrative oversight, she delivered a poignant reminder: “You are leaders—walk the talk. Let your staff see you lead by example.”

Regularity and punctuality among teachers, she noted, should be closely monitored, and excuses should no longer be tolerated.

Communication is Key

She closed her address with a gentle nudge: “As you return to your various schools, take time to share what we’ve discussed today with your teachers. Even if you’ve already held staff meetings, make time—perhaps during CPD sessions—to bring them on board.”

With heartfelt thanks, she ended: “I wish everyone the best in our endeavors. Thank you for your audience and attention.”

As the morning sun poured into the auditorium and the meeting drew to a close, the headteachers departed—not just with reminders and directives, but with a renewed sense of duty. Ms. Doris Ofori had not simply spoken; she had challenged, encouraged, and inspired—calling on every school leader to rise above mediocrity and embrace the higher calling of educational leadership.