The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially sanctioned Parents Associations (PAs) to raise funds in support of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. In 2019, the government halted the imposition of Parents Teachers Association levies due to widespread complaints about exorbitant levies imposed on students.
This led to the restructuring of associations into Parent Associations. The newly released Guidelines Document for Parents’ Associations in all Pre-tertiary schools, endorsed by the Ghana Education Service, recognizes the valuable contributions of Parents Associations to schools. GES emphasizes that Parents Associations should function autonomously, independent of school management and staff.
While they are encouraged to explore various avenues to generate funds for school development, they are prohibited from levying any fees on students or pupils. Parents Associations are authorized to undertake projects and provide support to teachers and staff through the provision of incentive packages and welfare schemes.
Additionally, individual parents or guardians have the freedom to make donations or contributions to a school as they see fit. GES specifies that although school management should not be signatories to Parents Associations’ activities, they can participate without being held liable for decisions made. However, Parents Associations are required to submit their annual activities and plans for approval by school management.
Furthermore, the accounts of Parents Associations will undergo annual audits, and audit reports must be submitted to Regional Directors to be forwarded to the Director General of Ghana Education Service. It is the expectation of GES that the new guidelines will create orderliness and a peaceful environment in which the parent associations can operate to support the development and growth of schools to facilitate inclusive and quality education.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
