Parents of students at Kumasi Wesley Girls Senior High School are up in arms over an unapproved fee of ₵605 imposed by the headmistress, Ms. Love Amankwa.
The headmistress claims the levy is intended for school projects, but parents argue that it contradicts the government’s free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which is designed to alleviate financial burdens on families.
Concerned parents shared their frustrations, citing unauthorized fees imposed by the headmistress.
These include a compulsory graduation fees of ₵200 for all Form 3 students, cost for A4 sheet and mandatory street light purchases per student.
Additionally, parents report charged various other unauthorized fees and since their wards’ admission.
The parents feel that the headmistress is effectively extorting money from them, undermining the free SHS policy in the Ashanti region.
They are calling demanding transparency and consultation in school decision-making, arguing that thees fees were implemented without their input or prior discussion.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has previously suspended headteachers over similar allegations of unauthorized fees and extortion.
The parents’ protest has sparked concerns about the effectiveness of the free SHS policy and the need for greater accountability in school management.
As the debate unfolds, parents and stakeholders await a response from the school authorities and education officials.