"Education Bombshell: Ashanti Region Headteachers Suspended for Charging Students Off-limits Fees!"
In the Ashanti Region of Ghana, seven headteachers from Senior High Schools (SHSs) find themselves stepping aside as the Ghana Education Service (GES) investigates allegations of unauthorized fee charges directed at fresh students. The GES, through separate statements issued on December 8, 2023, disclosed its commencement of investigations into the conduct of the implicated headteachers.
The education officials under scrutiny include Mrs. Selina Anane Afoakwa, Headmistress of Kumasi Girls SHS; Mr. Nataniel Asamoah, Headmaster of Asanteman SHS; Mr. Andrews Boateng, Headmaster of Kumasi Senior High Technical School; and Mr. Kwadwo Obeng-Appiah, Headmaster of Manso-Edubia SHS. Additionally, Mr. Daniel Boamah Duku, Headmaster of the Agric Nzema Community SHS; Ms. Gladys Sarfowah, Headmistress of Nkawie Senior High Technical School; and Mr. Ampong Ahmed Omar, Headmaster of Collins SHS are among those asked to step aside.
The GES has raised concerns about the headteachers allegedly imposing various unapproved fees on students. These fees reportedly cover a range of items, such as house dues, books, calculators, admission processes, printing of slips and files, as well as hymn books. This development follows similar interdictions of headteachers in the Greater Accra and Eastern regions, bringing the total number of interdicted headteachers for unauthorized fees to 11.
Angel Carbonu, the President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), has weighed in on the issue, cautioning headteachers nationwide to adhere to the government's policy prohibiting the sale of items to students in schools. During an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Carbonu emphasized the importance of respecting the directives issued by the GES and the Ministry of Education. He warned against education officers turning into salespersons, stating, "No officer of the Ghana Education Service (GES) should make him or herself a salesman or a saleswoman to sell any item to parents or students."
Carbonu acknowledged that while there might be valid reasons behind selling certain items, ignoring GES directives poses significant risks. He urged education professionals to abide by the rules set by their employer and suggested that any concerns regarding the policies should be addressed through appropriate channels. According to Carbonu, this approach allows for a constructive evaluation of policies, potentially leading to amendments or maintenance based on the best interests of both students and educational institutions.
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