Tema, April 10, – Assembly members in the Tema West Municipality have raised strong objections over reports that some basic school pupils are being barred from writing examinations due to unpaid Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) levies.
They described the development as disturbing, warning that it undermines the country’s free basic education policy and could contribute to rising dropout rates.
The concerns were aired during a general assembly meeting, where members cited reports from various electoral areas indicating that some headteachers were enforcing PTA levy payments as a prerequisite for examination entry.
They argued that such practices contradict national education policies aimed at promoting inclusive and equitable access to basic education.
Beyond the levy issue, the assembly members also alleged a range of financial and administrative irregularities in some schools.
These include claims that school water resources are being sold to private individuals, while portions of school lands are reportedly leased out for commercial purposes.
Some members further accused certain teachers of selling items such as biscuits, toffees, and sausages to pupils on credit, describing the practice as inappropriate.
They also raised concerns about school canteens, alleging that some have been rented out to churches instead of being assigned to caterers under the School Feeding Programme.
An official from the Municipal Education Directorate stated that PTA levies are typically based on agreements between parents and teachers, adding that no formal complaints had been officially lodged with the directorate.
However, the Tema West Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Ludwig Teye Totimeh, disagreed, insisting that the recurring nature of the complaints suggested the issue was more widespread than the directorate acknowledged.
Assembly members also questioned the management of PTA funds, alleging that payments are sometimes collected without receipts, making accountability difficult.
They further claimed that some PTA executives remain in office even after their children have left the schools, raising concerns about influence and transparency in decision-making structures.
In response, the Presiding Member of the Tema West Municipal Assembly, Mr Gilbert Kenneth Mag-Mawuli, directed the Municipal Education Directorate to submit a written report explaining the alleged restriction of pupils from examinations due to unpaid levies.
The assembly emphasized the need to safeguard pupils’ rights and ensure accountability in the management of basic education across the municipality.
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