Eduwatch launches a full investigation into unauthorized fee collection by all SHS Heads.

Eduwatch launches a full investigation into unauthorized fee collection by all SHS Heads.

Eduwatch has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the unauthorized collection of fees by senior high school (SHS) heads. The focus is on uncovering the truth behind SHS heads charging levies to new students, often concealed under Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) auspices and possibly protected by the Ghana Education Service (GES). Eduwatch anticipates that the GES will not only reveal the investigation’s findings but also take appropriate actions.

Several SHS heads have already faced interdiction by the GES due to imposing unauthorized charges on incoming students. Kofi Asare of Eduwatch expresses concern about the alleged illegal fees, particularly in the context of the Free SHS program. He highlights the significant increase in fees, citing an example where a school, Manso-Edubia SHS, allegedly collects GHC 1,640 from new students, a 30% increase compared to 2016 when there was no Free SHS.

Asare emphasizes the need for the GES to conduct open and transparent investigations into the widespread illegal charges by interdicted school heads.

He suggests the possibility of a public inquiry, considering the number of defiant SHS heads involved.

As Eduwatch compiles a list of ‘Stubborn Academy’ heads for submission to the GES, Asare urges that the GES must not conceal the outcomes of these investigations. In addition to sanctions, he believes these heads could provide valuable insights into the Free SHS program.

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According to Kofi Asare of Eduwatch

I am upset about the alleged illegal fees being imposed on newly admitted students in SHS by some school authorities even amid the free SHS.

If you understand the ensuing analysis, you will appreciate why:

In the 2016/17 academic year, before the free SHS, newly admitted DAY STUDENTS were paying GHC 600 a year; the equivalent of 75 days minimum wage (GHC8 /day).

Today, under free SHS, a school like Manso-Edubia SHS is allegedly collecting GHC 1,640 from new students; equivalent to 110 days minimum wage today (GHC14.8/Day).

That’s over 30% more than what they paid in 2016 when there was no free SHS…and we are spending about GHC 3 billion on free SHS this year.

Does this make sense?

While some schools may not be taking illegal fees, others are taking even more than Manso Edubia SHS; some hiding behind PTA receipts, etc. to cover up for illegal fees.

This is why the GES should adopt an open and transparent process in its investigations into the alleged widespread illegal charges by the many interdicted school heads and others yet to be interdicted.

I also note the various reasons by some school heads, which does not amount to a justification in my opinion.

However, given the sheer number of SHS heads involved, as there appears to be significant defiance, it may be necessary for the GES and GTVET to consider a public inquiry to afford the school heads an opportunity to justify their unprescribed actions to the general and stakeholder public, as well as their employer.

Aside from their possible sanctions, they might have some useful inputs into the free SHS programme.

Eduwatch is compiling its list of ‘Stubborn Academy’s heads for submission to the GES for investigation and action.

Unlike previous ones, the GES must not attempt to hide the outcome of these investigations.

Related

• KUMASI SEN. HIGH TECH. SCHOOL Head Interdicted by GES Over Unauthorized Fee Charges
• NKAWIE SHTS Head Interdicted by GES Over Unauthorized Fee Charges
• KUMASI GIRLS SHS Head Interdicted by GES Over Unauthorized Fee Charges
• ASANTEMAN SHS Head Interdicted by GES Over Unauthorized Fee Charges
• COLLINS SHS Head Interdicted by GES Over Unauthorized Fee Charges
• MANSO-EDUBIA SHS Head Interdicted by GES Over Unauthorized Fee Charges
• Agric Nzema Community SHS Head Interdicted by GES Over Unauthorized Fee Charges
• SHS Head Interdicted Over Unauthorized Sale of Items
• O’Reilly Senior High School Head Interdicted Over Unauthorized Collection of Money
• InterdicteThe d Headmistress of GHANASS Wrote to the E/R Director of Education before her interdiction
• BEREKUM SHS Head Interdicted by GES Over Unauthorized Fee Charges

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