February 23, 2025
By Isaac Nsiah Foster
Parents and guardians of students at Manso Nkwanta Saint Francis D/A JHS are up in arms after receiving a list of mandatory items they are required to purchase for their children’s schooling.
A copy of the list intercepted by our team includes the following charges:
1. Urinal – GH¢150
2. Monday wear (top only) – GH¢150
3. Thursday wear (top only) – GH¢120
4. House Jersey – GH¢120
5. Teachers’ motivation – GH¢30
6. Admission – GH¢100
7. Camping of students for BECE – GH¢3,000
Some frustrated parents, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed their outrage at these levies, revealing that they were also required to purchase furniture for their wards.
“Although John Mahama has not yet cancelled free education, despite the rumors circulating that he plans to, why are school authorities using all means to extort money from parents?” one angry parent questioned.
Despite directives barring schools and parent associations from imposing such levies, parents insist the practice continues unchecked.
“The most annoying part is that this so-called House Jersey, Monday, and Thursday wear do not add anything to my child’s education. It’s just a waste of money,” another frustrated parent fumed.
When contacted for clarification, the school’s headteacher, Madam Rita Oppong, confirmed that the charges were imposed by the Parents Association (PA) and not the school itself. She also refuted the claim that the House Jersey costs GH¢120, stating it is being sold at GH¢60. However, she confirmed that the PA had agreed on the charges for Monday and Thursday wear.
Asked whether the school had informed the district education directorate about its challenges, Madam Oppong stated that several forms had been submitted to the directorate, but no action had been taken.
Meanwhile, the education circuit supervisor for the area, Mr. Ahenfo, condemned the imposition of levies on parents, emphasizing that school authorities have been barred from such practices. He expressed surprise at the situation at St. Francis D/A JHS and promised to inform the district education director, who, according to him, is newly appointed.