News
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.
Spectator
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has confirmed that former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, is in prison and serving her jail term.
Speaking in an interview on Joy news, Mr. Muntaka dismissed claims that the former MASLOC boss was being held in a private location.
He said she has been in the custody of the state since she returned to Ghana.
“From the day Sedina came, she has been with us, and she’s serving her time,” he said.
The minister explained that the public is not usually told the specific prison where inmates, especially high-profile persons, are being held for security reasons.
He said even judges who sentence offenders do not necessarily know the specific prison where they are sent.
“If you want to visit her, you can write to the Prisons Service. They will talk to her, and if she is interested in you coming, she will let you come,” Mr. Muntaka stated.
According to him, disclosing the location of high-profile inmates could put their lives at risk, adding that some developed countries also keep such information confidential for security purposes.
His comments come amid public speculation over the whereabouts of Ms. Tamakloe Attionu following reports that she had returned to Ghana to begin serving her prison sentence.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Western Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), ACFO I Cecil Addo, has completed a familiarization tour of major corporate and industrial institutions across the Western Region to strengthen partnerships and enhance fire safety preparedness.
The tour covered key organizations including the Bank of Ghana, GOIL PLC, Ghanstock, Western Terminals, Zen Terminal, Keda Ceramics, Takoradi International Company (TICO), Volta River Authority (VRA), Harlequin Oil and Gas, and Western Serene Atlantic Hotel.
During the engagements, the Regional Commander encouraged management of the institutions to prioritize proactive fire prevention measures by incorporating strict safety protocols into their daily operations.
Discussions also focused on improving fire readiness and strengthening collaboration between GNFS and the corporate sector.
As part of the initiative, GNFS presented firefighting equipment, including Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) extinguishers, as well as Fire Extinguishing Balls, to support workplace safety.
The institutions expressed appreciation for the outreach and pledged to support regular safety audits, joint emergency drills, and potential Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships with the Service.
News1 week agoNFS, AACMA raise GH¢300K for new fire tender
- News6 days ago
FSD Africa, others launch Green Project Preparation Facility to unlock investment in climate infrastructure in Ghana
- News6 days ago
Merck Foundation holds 13th Africa Asia Luminary with 12 First Ladies to advance healthcare capacity across Africa and Asia
