
Hammond Agyen, a dedicated educator from Manhean Anglican ‘D’ Primary School, has been officially presented with a brand-new 4x4 pick-up truck by Universal Merchant Bank (UMB). The presentation marks his achievement as the first runner-up in the Teacher category of the 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize. This recognition took place during a high-profile ceremony held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), organized to coincide with World Teachers’ Day celebrations.
The event, which was held under the theme "Empowering Teachers: Architects of the Future," featured the attendance of Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who honored the immense contributions of teachers to the nation’s socio-economic fabric. UMB’s sponsorship of the prize reflects its commitment to corporate social responsibility within the education sector. By providing a vehicle to the first runner-up, the bank aims to highlight the dedication required to excel in teaching and to encourage others in the profession to strive for excellence.
Representing UMB, Edem Knight-Tay noted that the bank shares the value of reliability with the teaching profession. She explained that just as teachers are the reliable bedrock of future generations, UMB strives to be a reliable partner in Ghana’s financial landscape. Upon receiving the keys to the vehicle, Mr. Agyen expressed his deep appreciation to both the organizers and UMB. He emphasized that the recognition is a testament to the importance of teachers in society’s development and expressed hope that such awards would continue to inspire educators to give their best in the classroom.
The Ghana Teacher Prize serves as the country's premier platform for acknowledging pedagogical excellence and rewarding the hard work of those in the education sector. This year’s award to Mr. Agyen underscores the ongoing collaboration between the government and private sector partners to incentivize professional performance. As the 2026 first runner-up, Mr. Agyen joins a prestigious list of educators whose impact on the lives of their students has earned them national acclaim.