Ghana’s Portia Dzifa Dzilah makes history in 2025 Cambridge dedicated Teacher Awards

Portia Dzifa Dzilah, a passionate educator from Ghana, has etched her name in history as the first-ever Ghanaian to be named a regional winner in the prestigious 2025 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards.

The annual awards are organized by Cambridge University Press & Assessment to honour educators who go above and beyond to make a difference in their communities and classrooms.

Portia teaches at Pakro Anglican Basic School, located in the Akwapem South Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Her school serves a farming community that faces numerous challenges, including high rates of truancy, teenage pregnancy, and low school enrolment, especially among girls. Despite these barriers, Portia has shown an unwavering commitment to education and the well-being of her students.

Her innovative efforts include mentoring girls on food safety and menstrual hygiene, and she also established a gender club in her school to help girls develop confidence and leadership. These initiatives have not only improved school attendance but also inspired many young girls to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams.

Out of over 5,000 nominations from 101 countries, Portia emerged as one of nine regional winners globally. Her win marks the first time in the award’s seven-year history that a teacher from Ghana has received this honour. As a regional winner, she will receive £500 worth of books for her classroom, a trophy, and will be celebrated at a regional awards ceremony in partnership with NNF Esquire. Additionally, her name and story will feature on a special ‘Thank You’ page in new Cambridge textbooks to be released in November 2025, ensuring her legacy reaches classrooms around the world.

Reacting to the news, Portia stated, “This recognition is not just about me; it’s about the children of Pakro and every girl who’s ever been told her dreams are out of reach. I became a teacher not just to deliver lessons, but to change lives. Education is a lifeline, and I will continue to fight for every child to have access to it.”

Rod Smith, Managing Director of International Education at Cambridge, applauded Portia’s achievement, saying, “In an age where artificial intelligence dominates headlines, it’s heartening to celebrate the warmth and humanity that teachers like Portia bring into the classroom. Great teachers remain the heart of education, providing the empathy and inspiration that no technology can replicate.”

The awards, which aim to highlight outstanding teaching across the globe, now move to the final stage, where one of the regional winners will be named the overall global winner. Portia is in the running, and the public is encouraged to support her by voting online at [dedicatedteacher.cambridge.org/vote](https://dedicatedteacher.cambridge.org/vote). Voting closes on 30th April 2025, with the global winner set to be announced on 21st May 2025.

Portia Dzifa Dzilah’s recognition shines a spotlight not only on her personal achievements but also on the incredible potential of teachers in Ghana to transform lives through dedication, innovation, and a deep belief in the power of education.

By: Bawa Musah

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