West African Teachers Make Top 50 Shortlist for $1 Million Global Teacher Prize

Three exceptional educators from West Africa have made the top 50 shortlist for the prestigious GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, 2025 Edutimes Africa Learnt.

The recognition highlights their dedication and groundbreaking contributions to the field of education, both in their local communities and beyond.

Among the finalists are Faith Aku Dzakpasu and Stella Gyimaah Larbi from Ghana, and Kayode Adewale from Nigeria, whose groundbreaking work in education is making waves both locally and internationally.

The Global Teacher Prize, which offers a $1 million award, aims to honor teachers who have made extraordinary impacts on their students, communities, and society as a whole.

Stella Gyimaah Larbi: Pioneering Early Childhood Education in Ghana

Stella Gyimaah Larbi, another Ghanaian teacher, has also earned a spot on the prestigious list. Known for her work in early childhood education, Larbi has dedicated her career to improving literacy and numeracy among young children in underserved communities. She utilizes creative approaches, such as interactive learning and play-based activities, to instill a love for learning in her students.

Larbi’s work is particularly notable for her commitment to addressing the challenges of inadequate infrastructure in rural schools. Her initiatives aim to lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning, particularly for children in Ghana’s most marginalized areas.