Accra: Mr. Christian Atsu, President of the National Council of Parent Teacher Associations (NCPTA), has urged the government to engage in collaboration with the Council to advance development across educational institutions. He emphasized the Council's readiness to engage in discussions on critical issues affecting schools that concern parents and, by extension, their children, who are the primary stakeholders and beneficiaries.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Atsu expressed concern over the practice of issuing directives to school heads without the involvement of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), stating that such an approach hinders effective development through collective efforts. In an interview, he encouraged school leaders to voice concerns about policies that do not align with established structures, stressing that open dialogue should not result in retaliation if it aims to improve conditions for students and parents.
Mr. Atsu highlighted that although school heads operate under a Performance Contract, they encounter challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, unfavorable teacher-student ratios, and overcrowded classrooms. In such scenarios, he noted that when logistical support is delayed, school administrators often resort to seeking assistance from parents, organizing extra classes, and other measures to sustain school operations.
He further acknowledged the critical role PTAs play in alleviating pressures on schools, suggesting that the government should formalize partnerships with PTAs to ensure sustainable development. Mr. Atsu emphasized that PTAs are committed to supporting government initiatives to benefit students, citing contributions such as providing resources for teaching and non-teaching staff, feeding materials, furniture, and technology infrastructure.
Addressing concerns about unauthorized charges levied on parents, Mr. Atsu clarified that PTAs only impose dues and development levies per semester, capped at GHC21 and GHC100, respectively. He stressed that any additional charges require approval from the National Council of PTAs and assured that no student faces expulsion for non-payment of PTA fees. He noted that voluntary contributions by parents for school development are welcomed but must be distinguished from mandatory fees.
Mr. Atsu also pointed out that PTAs operate as voluntary, non-statutory organizations registered under the Companies Act 2019 (Act 992) and function independently of the Ministry of Education or the Ghana Education Service. The NCPTA serves as the umbrella body for all PTAs in pre-tertiary education institutions across Ghana.