I was selected by my colleagues at Peace Corps Ghana to be the recieve the Foreign Volunteer award at the 16th National Best Teacher Award Ceremony. Upon learning of the nomination I was astounded. I was not entirely sure of what the award entailed and I was even more skeptical when I was informed that I needed to report to Koforidua in the Eastern Region 3 full days before the awards ceremony was scheduled to begin.
I truly had no idea what to expect. I packed light, making sure to bring one nice outfit and several books to kill any down time which would arise. I was pretty much ready for anything but could have never guessed what a lovely time lay before me.
I reported to the Ministry of Education in Koforidua on Saturday afternoon and was promptly greeted by name. I was put in a car and driven to quite possibly the nicest most luxuriant hotel in all of Koforidua. The Capital View hotel was truly a sight to behold- a pool, tennis courts, a fitness room, free computer and internet use, lovely restaurant from which my meals would be served, room service, DSTV, air conditioning! You name it- this place had it. 
The details of the weekend began to unfold as I was shuffled to a conference room where the Deputy Minister of the Eastern Region warmly welcomed all of the Best Teacher Awardees to his Region. After his welcome we supped on delicious catering and were informed that the next morning we would need to wake up very early to be taken to the Akosombo Damn for a Volta River Cruise!
Outfitted in our matching shirts and hats the Best Teacher Awardees started the journey early in the morning from Koforidua to the Volta Region.
The Cruise was amazing! It started at the Akosombo Dam and went north on Lake Volta to a small island called Dodi Island. The cruise last approximately 5 hours which seemed to pass too quickly. As we cruised a live band played, and fresh tilapia right from the lake were grilled to order for lunch.
I had to opportunity to chat with some of the other teachers and made some good friends of the National Service Volunteers who were being recognized for their exceptional service as part of the awards scheme.
After the cruise on the way back to Koforidua they program organizers closed the Akosombo Bridge down so we could have to opportunity to walk across it and take some great pictures. I couldn't believe I had the chance to walk across the most impressive bridge in Ghana without dodging cars and tro-tros. It was a once in a lifetime chance.
Akosombo Dam
Akosombo Bridge
The next morning would be the award ceremony. I learnt from my APCD Mary, that she, Joe Bee, the Country Director, and additionally Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams would all be attending the event. Director Williams made some brief remarks at the ceremony along with the Vice President of Ghana and many other Honored Guests. The ceremony couldn't have happened at a better time. With Peace Corps Ghana's 50th Anniversary just around the corner it was nice to see everyone excitedly lauding the hardwork of many of our important and motivated counterparts. I am truly grateful that I was able to attend.
Here are a few photos from the ceremony:
Director Aaron Williams, Me, and Country Director Mike Koffman
Vice President of Ghana
GTV Camera Guy
Joe Bee, Me, nd Mary
The various items included in the Awards Package: Native Carvings, Artifacts, Certificate, and Citation
Following the awards ceremony we were invited to a VIP reception at the Eastern Regional Minister's residence. It was a very swanky Gala.
There was a lovely band comprised of Fire Fighters from the Region and of course food and drinks were served. We drank wine from bottles (a luxury I'd forgotten was so luxurious with all this cheap box wine around), ate delicious food and danced the night away. A wonderful ending to a most surprisingly wonderful weekend.
