Amansie South Education Director Stephen Adu-Darko Retires After Six Years of Historic Service

The Ghana Education Service (GES) in the Amansie South District has officially bid farewell to Mr. Stephen Adu-Darko, the first-ever District Director of Education for the area, following his retirement after six years of remarkable service.

A grand and emotional send-off ceremony was held at the Church of Pentecost in Manso Adubia to celebrate his tenure and contributions. The event brought together a large crowd of dignitaries, education directors, teachers, traditional leaders, students, and community members from across the district.

Mr. Adu-Darko was appointed in 2019 as the pioneer director when the Amansie South District Education Directorate was created. Over the next six years, he built the directorate from the ground up, laying a strong administrative and professional foundation that continues to support quality education delivery across the district.

Delivering his tribute, the District Chief Executive, Hon. Benjamin Marfo, hailed Mr. Adu-Darko as a visionary leader who brought structure, discipline, and lasting progress to education in Amansie South. He said the district was fortunate to have had someone of his calibre lead its educational system during its formative years.

“Mr. Adu-Darko didn’t just occupy a position—he built an institution. As the first director, he set the tone, trained the team, and championed a shared mission for excellence. He worked hand in hand with the Assembly and community leaders to ensure that education remained a top priority,” the DCE said.

The Presiding Member of the Amansie South District Assembly, Hon. Kwame Amponsah, also commended the retiring director for his inclusive leadership style and for fostering strong collaboration with traditional authorities. “He brought unity to education governance in this district. His respect for culture, coupled with his professional standards, made him a leader everyone could trust,” he added.

During the event, a framed citation was presented to Mr. Adu-Darko by the Ghana Education Service and the District Assembly in honour of his distinguished service. It read: “Presented to Mr. Stephen Adu-Darko in recognition of your outstanding service and transformational leadership as the First District Director of Education, Amansie South (2019–2025). Your vision, commitment, and humility laid the foundation for educational progress in this district. You led with integrity, inspired all, and built a legacy that will stand the test of time. We are forever grateful.”

He was also honoured with several gifts and symbolic items, including a custom executive furniture set, a flat-screen television, handwoven Kente cloth from the chiefs, and a carved traditional staff, representing authority and wisdom. Teachers, school heads, and community groups also presented individual donations and souvenirs in appreciation of his leadership.

In his farewell address, Mr. Stephen Adu-Darko expressed deep gratitude to the Ghana Education Service, the District Assembly, traditional rulers, and education stakeholders for their unwavering support. Reflecting on his role as the district’s first education director, he noted that the journey had not been easy, but it was fulfilling.

“To be the first comes with pressure, but also purpose. I am grateful that we walked this path together and that today, Amansie South stands tall in education. I retire with a thankful heart and leave behind a team capable of even greater achievements,” he said.

The ceremony featured cultural drumming, choir performances, and blessings from traditional leaders who acknowledged his respect for chieftaincy and his efforts to integrate community voices into educational planning.

As Amansie South prepares to welcome a new District Director, the legacy of Mr. Stephen Adu-Darko, the district’s first and pioneering education leader, remains deeply rooted in the educational transformation of the area.