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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 Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation into a viral video in which a woman identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, an American citizen, claims she was kidnapped by five masked men, whom she alleges were officers of the Ghana Police Service on snap-check duty in Accra, and robbed her of some amount of money.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms. Mackey and two companions were staying.
According to the police, investigation also confirmed that they checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025.Checks at the Kotoka International Airport also disclosed that she left Ghana on the same day.
The Police subsequently contacted the alleged victim to assist the investigation. She indicated to Police that she was out of the country and she could not get the names of the alleged officers nor the number plate of the vehicle they were using.
Police further requested for the contact details of her friend in Ghana, who she said was with her during the time of the incident.
She, however, stated that her friend does not want to be involved in the investigation.
According to the police, she has since deleted the video on her page and further efforts by the Investigators to contact her through WhatsApp calls and messages have proved unsuccessful, as she has declined to respond and later blocked the team.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to secure her cooperation through appropriate diplomatic channels.
The Ghana Police Service has noted that it treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case.
The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested three men believed to be part of a kidnapping syndicate responsible for abducting a 42-year-old man in Wapuli, a community in the Yendi District.
The suspects, Haruna Seidu, Amidu Bandi and Osman Bandi allegedly kidnapped the victim and demanded GH¢100,000 from his family for his release.
According to a police statement, officers from the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate were deployed to Wapuli after the incident was reported.
The team conducted surveillance and launched a rescue operation.
On Friday, December 5, 2025, police successfully rescued the victim and arrested the suspects after what was described as an intense exchange of gunfire.
The suspects were later taken into custody and are expected to be arraigned before court.
The Police said the a fourth suspect, who is believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, is currently on the run.
They urged the public to provide any information that may lead to his arrest.
By: Jacob Aggrey
