A Ghanaian teacher, Portia Dzifa Dzilah, has made history by becoming the global winner of the 2025 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards, marking the first time a teacher from Ghana has claimed the international honour.

Dzilah, who teaches English at Pakro Anglican Basic School in the Akuapim South District, secured 33 per cent of the global public vote, emerging ahead of eight other regional finalists from around the world.

The awards, run by the International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, recognise extraordinary educators who go above and beyond to shape the lives of their students. Portia’s achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a moment of pride for Ghana and a celebration of the power of dedicated teaching in under-resourced communities.

Pakro, a remote farming town in the Eastern Region, faces significant socio-economic challenges, including high pupil absenteeism and teenage pregnancy. Despite these obstacles, Portia has distinguished herself through a tireless commitment to improving the lives of her students, particularly girls. Her initiatives include food and sanitary product drives and the formation of a Gender Club, which advocates for girls’ education and helps keep young learners in school.

What was expected to be a regional celebration turned into a moment of national pride when Portia received a surprise video call from Rod Smith, the Group Managing Director of International Education at Cambridge, informing her that she had not only won the Sub-Saharan Africa regional award but also the overall global title.

The announcement was followed by a special ceremony at Pakro Anglican Basic School, where representatives from Cambridge, local education authorities, and the wider community gathered to honour her.

“I want to thank my students—they are my greatest inspiration,” Portia said after receiving the award. “Their strength, curiosity, and determination remind me every day why I teach. I believe in the potential of every child and that education can break cycles and open doors. This recognition renews my commitment even more deeply.”

Dzilah dedicated the award to every girl who chose to stay in school despite the odds, and to every parent who continued to believe in a brighter future through education. “Let us continue to build a world where education truly transforms lives,” she added.

Rod Smith praised Portia’s exceptional commitment, noting that her impact extended far beyond the classroom. “Some educators are simply born to teach. Portia's unwavering belief in the transformative power of education is both inspiring and deeply moving,” he said. “She brings not only knowledge to her students, but hope, encouragement, and a vision for what their futures can be.”

In addition to the global title, Portia will participate in a professional development course of her choice through Cambridge’s Enrichment Programme. Her story and photograph will also be featured on the thank you page of a range of Cambridge textbooks set for release in November 2025. She will further be spotlighted in Cambridge’s global promotional materials throughout the year.

This year’s win highlights the impact of dedicated teachers working in challenging environments and reaffirms the importance of recognising their role in shaping not just academic outcomes, but the future of communities and nations.

The Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards, now in their seventh year, offer students, parents, and colleagues a platform to celebrate primary and secondary school teachers who demonstrate outstanding dedication to their learners’ growth and success.