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Govt Urged to Collaborate with Council of PTAs to Promote Development in Schools
The President of the National Council of Parent Teachers Association (NCPTA), Mr Christian Atsu, has called on the government to collaborate closely with the association to enhance development across all pre-tertiary education institutions in Ghana.
Speaking on behalf of the umbrella body representing all PTAs in the country, Mr Atsu highlighted that the association is open to discussions on key issues affecting schools, particularly those impacting parents and their children, who are the primary beneficiaries.
He expressed concern over instances where school heads receive directives from authorities without consulting the PTA, noting that such practices hinder realistic development efforts through the joint action of all stakeholders.
Mr Atsu further admonished school heads to communicate openly about challenges that conflict with existing policies or structures without fear of victimisation, stressing that transparency is crucial for the betterment of both learners and parents.
He noted that while school heads sign Performance Contracts, they often face persistent challenges including:
- Infrastructure deficits
- High teacher-student ratios
- Overcrowded classrooms
- Insufficient logistical support
“In the absence of timely government support, school heads are often compelled to adopt alternative strategies to keep schools running, including seeking support from parents and organising extra classes,” he explained.
Mr Atsu added that PTAs have been pivotal in sustaining schools, citing contributions such as providing duty posts for staff and supplying rice and other feeding materials. He urged the government to establish a formalised partnership with PTAs to ensure sustainable development in schools.
“We parents are here to assist government so that the benefits trickle down to our children,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about some schools levying illegal or repetitive charges, Mr Atsu clarified that NCPTA-approved dues and levies are GH¢21 per semester, with an upper limit of GH¢100, all earmarked for school development projects. Any additional parental contributions are voluntary and considered a concerted effort to support school initiatives.
He emphasised that PTAs are voluntary, non-statutory bodies registered under the Companies Act 2019 (Act 992) and exist to complement government efforts in improving educational outcomes.
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The Ghana National Gas Company has denied allegations of wrongdoing in its recent procurement and insurance contract renewals.
In a press statement issued in Accra on April 13, 2026, the company explained that concerns raised in some media reports were linked to a change in its lead insurer.
It noted that the change followed the expiration of previous insurance contracts at the end of the year.
The company stressed that the new insurance arrangements are lawful and form part of efforts to improve its risk management system to protect its assets.
It further indicated that all contracts awarded so far have gone through the required approval processes by the Public Procurement Authority after receiving financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance.
The statement, signed by the Head of Corporate Affairs, Richard Ernest Kirk-Mensah, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
It added that management remains focused on delivering gas efficiently to meet the country’s energy needs while continuing to strengthen internal systems to ensure good corporate governance and compliance.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has clarified that it now supports the implementation of the Publican Artificial Intelligence system at the country’s ports, following earlier concerns raised in 2025.
In a press statement issued on April 9, the Association explained that claims suggesting it still opposes the system are misleading and based on outdated information from a December 18, 2025 media publication.
It noted that its earlier concerns were legitimate, pointing to a lack of stakeholder consultation, as well as issues related to data security, transparency, and system integration.
At the time, it called for broader engagement to ensure the system would be credible and beneficial to all stakeholders.
According to the statement, the Government of Ghana, through the Finance Ministry and the Ghana Revenue Authority, has since engaged industry players, including the Association, to address those concerns.
The Association described the engagements as constructive, indicating that they helped resolve key issues and showed government’s commitment to improving the system’s implementation.
As a result, it affirmed its support for the Publican AI system, which has already been rolled out at the ports.
The Association acknowledged that the system is facing some operational challenges but noted that such difficulties are common with major technological reforms.
It added that authorities are taking steps to resolve the issues.
It highlighted the potential benefits of the system, including improved revenue mobilisation, increased transparency, reduced revenue leakages, and a decline in unethical practices at the ports.
The statement cautioned the public against attempts by some individuals and groups to misrepresent its position, stressing that such actions undermine national progress.
It further emphasised that it will not allow itself to be used for propaganda or agendas that do not serve the interests of importers, exporters, and the wider economy.
The Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, signed the statement, reaffirming the group’s commitment to supporting reforms that improve efficiency at the ports and promote a fair trading environment.
By: Jacob Aggrey
