The Ministry of Education has warned school managements against charging parents unauthorised fees and diverting food intended for students, describing such practices as a betrayal of public trust.
Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak speaking at the 50th anniversary celebration of Zamse Senior High/Technical School (ZAMSTECH) in Bolgatanga, said the Ministry had become concerned about reports of school authorities charging fees that had not been approved.
He said even more troubling were reports of food meant for students being diverted away from schools.
The Deputy Minister stressed that parents should not be compelled to pay charges that have not been sanctioned by the appropriate authorities.
“No parent should be asked to pay what was never sanctioned. No child should go hungry because food bought for their plate ended up somewhere else.”
He described the alleged practices as a breach of the trust placed in school managements and warned that they must stop.
“Where this is happening, it must stop, and school managements across this country should hear this as a clear warning, not a suggestion.”
The warning was delivered during the Golden Jubilee celebration of ZAMSTECH, but the Deputy Minister was careful to distinguish the national concern from the school hosting the event.
He said the matter was not directed at ZAMSTECH, its Board or Management, but was being raised as a broader national concern because of reports reaching the Education Ministry.
The comments come at a time when questions over the management of resources in public schools continue to attract attention, particularly where parents and the state provide resources intended directly for students.
The Deputy Minister said accountability in education must extend beyond infrastructure and academic performance to include how funds, food and other resources meant for students are managed.
He urged school authorities to recognise that every resource entrusted to them is ultimately intended to improve the welfare and education of learners.The warning formed part of a broader call for stakeholders, including government, school authorities, parents, traditional leaders and alumni, to take responsibility for ensuring that schools provide
Source: Bolgafmonline.com| 102.7 MHz| Bolgatanga
