Profile of Jacob Nti Danso: Former HOD (S&M) at GES-Kumawu

Jacob Nti Danso stands as a shining example of dedication, resilience, and selfless service in Ghana’s education sector. His professional journey, spanning over three decades, has been marked by steadfast commitment to shaping young minds and nurturing talent in various educational institutions across the country, particularly in the Sekyere Kumawu District of the Ashanti Region.

He was born into a humble family of fourteen siblings. Jacob’s early years laid the foundation for the values he embodies today: hard work, perseverance, and a passion for service. His educational journey began in the early 1970s at Osino Methodist Primary School, where he spent a year before transferring to Atebubu Methodist Primary School in 1972. He continued his basic education there until 1977, after which he moved on to Atebubu L/A No.2 Middle School for a year. As a young growing boy driven by the determination to excel, Jacob gained admission to Atebubu Secondary School in 1978, where he completed his secondary education in 1983.

An individual eager to further his studies and pursue a career in education, Jacob enrolled at the Technical Teachers’ College in Mampong-Ashanti from 1988 to 1991. His academic journey didn’t end there – he continued at the University College of Education, Winneba (Kumasi Campus) between 1994 and 1997, and again from 1999 to 2000, equipping himself with the knowledge and skills that would serve as the bedrock of his teaching career.

Jacob’s hobbies, including playing football, volleyball, and listening to good music, reflect his vibrant personality and his belief in the holistic development of individuals. These interests would later influence his extracurricular contributions, especially in nurturing volleyball talents in his community.

His Distinguished Career in Education

Jacob Nti Danso’s career began in 1983 as an untrained teacher at Atebubu R/C Middle School, where he taught until 1985. He continued at New Konkrompe L/A Middle School, Atebubu, from 1985 to 1988, before taking up a position at St. Martin’s R/C JSS, Amanten-B/A in 1991 after completing his teacher training. Jacob’s commitment to teaching saw him move to Gyaama Pensan Secondary/Technical School in Aboaso, Ashanti, where he served from 1997 to 1999.

In 2000, Jacob took on the role of Headmaster at Nsutem L/A JSS, a position he held for four years. His leadership skills became more evident when he transitioned into administrative roles at the Ghana Education Service (GES). From 2004 to 2008, he served as a Circuit Supervisor at the Effiduase District Office, where he was responsible for overseeing educational standards in multiple schools.

Jacob’s contributions became even more significant when he joined the newly established Sekyere Kumawu District Education Office in 2009, following the creation of the district from Sekyere East. As one of the pioneer officers, he played a crucial role in laying the foundations for educational administration in the area. He served as Circuit Supervisor from 2009 to 2015, and later as Head of the Supervision and Monitoring Department from 2015 to 2016. In 2016, he briefly assumed the role of Exams Officer, before taking a leave of absence from November 2016 to May 2017.

Despite the demanding nature of administrative duties, Jacob returned to the classroom in July 2017 as a teacher at Bodomase D/A JHS. He later became the Acting Headmaster of Bodomase Senior High/Technical School from 2018 to 2019, before resuming his role as Head of Supervision and Monitoring at the District Education Directorate from September 2019 to December 2019. His versatility also saw him serving as Head of the EMIS Department from December 2019 to February 2020, and subsequently as Assistant Headmaster (Academic) at Bodomase Senior High/Technical School until July 2020. From July 2020 to date, Jacob has been serving as the Head of Supervision and Monitoring at the Sekyere Kumawu District Education Directorate, continuing to play a pivotal role in shaping education in the district.

Nti Danso’s Achievements and Contributions

Jacob’s career is adorned with numerous achievements that reflect his dedication and leadership. Notably, he was a key figure in the establishment of the Sekyere Kumawu District Education Office in 2009, helping to lay the administrative framework for the district’s educational development. His efforts as the IFESH (International Foundation for Education and Self-Help) District Coordinator from 2009 to 2011 were particularly remarkable. Out of ten districts across Ghana involved in the project, it was through Jacob’s relentless advocacy that Sekyere Kumawu secured appointments for 20 teacher candidates – an achievement that speaks volumes about his commitment to creating opportunities for others.

As a Circuit Supervisor (CS now SISO) in Bodomase Circuit from 2009 to 2015, Jacob was instrumental in ensuring educational quality and compliance in the schools under his care. Between 2004 and 2010, he served as the liaison between Sekyere East and Sekyere Afram Plains Education Districts and the Sekyere East Area Development Program of World Vision Ghana, facilitating important educational initiatives that improved teaching and learning conditions in the area.

Jacob’s leadership extended to the establishment of Bodomase Senior High/Technical School, where he served as a member and secretary of the school’s Implementation Committee from 2017 to 2018, and later as the Acting Headmaster from 2018 to 2019. His return to the role of Head of Supervision and Monitoring at the Sekyere Kumawu District Education Directorate in 2019, and his subsequent leadership of the EMIS Department from 2019 to 2020, highlight his versatility and deep understanding of educational administration.

While serving as a teacher, he also played an active role as a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, helping to form a church choir. For the first time, together with three other members, he launched an album with eight songs between 1994 and 1997 in Atebubu and its environs.

An Anchor to Talent Building Beyond the Classroom

Jacob’s passion for sports, particularly volleyball, led him to establish the Royals Volleyball Club in Bodomase in 2020. His vision was to unearth and nurture volleyball talents among the youth in the Kumawu Constituency. The club currently boasts over 60 players from basic, secondary, and tertiary institutions and competes in the Ashanti Regional Volleyball League. Under Jacob’s guidance, eight players have secured scholarships in various second-cycle schools, and two of the club’s athletes were called up to join the national under-21 volleyball team for a tournament in Niger in 2023.

Jacob’s dedication to the development of volleyball in the district has attracted national attention. Notably, the National Volleyball Coach, Mr. Kamil Kash Agbenyegah, visited Bodomase and trained with the Royals Volleyball Club for three days, aiming to identify and nurture promising talents for the national team. This recognition is a testament to Jacob’s efforts in creating a sustainable platform for young people to thrive through sports.

Offering Support for Teacher Development

Beyond his administrative and sporting achievements, Jacob has been a strong advocate for the professional development of teachers. He has organized classes and published a book to support teachers preparing for the Promotion Aptitude Test, ensuring that educators in his district are well-equipped for career progression and the demands of modern teaching.

Jacob Nti Danso’s career reflects a lifetime of service to education and community development. His multifaceted contributions – as a teacher, administrator, mentor, and sports advocate—have left an indelible mark on the Sekyere Kumawu District and beyond. His ability to adapt to various roles, coupled with his passion for nurturing talent, both in the classroom and on the field, exemplifies the kind of leadership that transforms communities.

As the former Head of Supervision and Monitoring at the Sekyere Kumawu District Education Directorate, Jacob continues to inspire educators, students, and community members alike

Jacob Nti Danso is more than an educator – he is a mentor, a builder of dreams, and a pillar in the Sekyere Kumawu educational community and will be remembered by many for his commitment to work and duty.

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