EduWatch reacts to illegal fees being imposed on newly admitted SHS students
The Africa Education Watch (EduWatch) has expressed concern over the alleged illegal fees imposed on newly admitted students in Senior High Schools by some school authorities despite the free Senior High School policy.
The Director of EduWatch, Kofi Asare in a post sighted by AcademicWeek said “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).
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Today, under free Senior High School, 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 school 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 the possible sanctions some may face, they might have some useful inputs into the free SHS programme. Eduwatch is compiling its own list of ‘Stubborn Academy’ heads for submission to the GES for investigation and action.
Unlike previous cases, the Ghana Education Service (GES)and Ghana TVET must not attempt to hide the outcome of these investigations.”