The management of the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service has taken strict disciplinary action against the heads of three technical institutes after confirming reports of unauthorized fee collection and extortion at their institutions. The affected schools are:
- Agona Swedru Technical Institute in the Central Region
- Sunyani Technical Institute in the Bono Region
- Madina Technical Institute in the Greater Accra Region
In a statement, the Ghana TVET Service outlined the allegations, which include the charging of several unapproved fees. These fees consist of admission charges, payments for boarding protocol, levies for changing residential status, costs for fashion practical items, fees for bedsheets, and dues for the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).
Management emphasised that such practices contravene the government’s Free TVET Policy, which ensures free access to technical and vocational education for all eligible students. These actions, it said, also undermine the Service’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and equity in school admissions.
To address the matter, investigative committees have been established to conduct a comprehensive and impartial inquiry. The composition of these committees will be announced shortly, and their findings will inform further disciplinary measures.
In the interim, the Heads of the affected schools have been placed on 30-day administrative leave, effective immediately. Their duties have been temporarily assigned to the respective Regional Directors:
- Madam Hannah Asamoah, Central Regional Director — Agona Swedru Technical Institute
- Mr Gabriel Gyamfi, Bono Regional Director — Sunyani Technical Institute
- Engr. Juliana Nkrumah, Greater Accra Regional Director — Madina Technical Institute
The Ghana TVET Service reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, extortion, and all forms of misconduct that erode public confidence in the TVET system.
“Management remains unwavering in its commitment to upholding accountability, transparency, and fairness in the administration of Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions across the country,” the statement concluded. It further assured parents, students, and the general public of its continued dedication to protecting the integrity of the admission process and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism nationwide.
Source: Albert Kuzor
