Payment of PTA dues voluntary even if approved — GES

 

Payment of PTA dues voluntary even if approved — GES

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has made it clear that the payment of Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues remains entirely voluntary, even when such dues have been approved by the appropriate authorities. 

In a directive issued to all schools, GES emphasized that no student should be denied access to any school service or benefit because their parents have not paid PTA dues. The Service explained that this reminder aims to prevent the imposition of unauthorized financial demands on parents and to ensure that every student enjoys equal access to education without discrimination.

GES further outlined the process for approving any PTA or development levy. For basic schools, such proposals must be reviewed and approved by the District Education Oversight Committee (DEOC) and the District Director of Education, while for senior high schools, approval must come from the Regional Director of Education. These procedures, according to GES, are designed to promote accountability and transparency in how school levies are introduced and managed.

The statement also cautioned that teachers and school authorities are not permitted to collect PTA dues on behalf of any association. Only elected PTA executives have the right to collect such voluntary contributions. 

Regional and District Directors of Education have therefore been directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive, and any school found to be violating it may face disciplinary action.

This clarification follows public concern about reports that some schools were compelling students to pay PTA dues before being allowed to access certain services. 

GES stressed that PTA contributions should remain a voluntary act of support, not a requirement for participation in school activities. The Service encouraged parents to cooperate with school authorities while reminding them that no student should be disadvantaged or discriminated against for non-payment of PTA dues.

 In summary, GES reaffirmed its commitment to fairness and inclusivity, ensuring that financial contributions to PTAs remain a matter of choice rather than obligation.