The Widows and Orphans Movement (WOM), says it’s deeply concerned about reports from a number of schools in the Upper East Region charging Parent Teacher Association (PTA) fees of up to GHC400 and demanding an additional GHC900 from parents for furniture.
The group is calling on the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education to investigate the issue and address it with the urgency it deserves.
According to them, the demands are excessive and unaffordable, particularly for the guardians and surviving parents of complete and incomplete orphans who are already struggling to provide for these children.
‘‘Such charges not only place an unfair financial burden on vulnerable families but also threaten to deny many children their right to education. Introducing these fees undermines the government’s efforts toward free and equitable access to education for all children,” they lamented.
They further noted that many of the constituents are affected and are unable to pay the amounts resulting in their children being excluded from school or learning under distressing conditions.
‘’Therefore, we call on the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Minister of Education to immediately investigate and halt these practices in schools across the Upper East Region. Or provide credible alternatives,” they urged.
Also, they are appealing for clear communication beyond Facebook posts to all schools to ensure that no child is denied access to education due to financial constraints imposed.
By Sarah Apenkroh
