The Headmistress of Hark Mount Sinai Senior High School in Akropong-Akuapem, Eastern Region, is under scrutiny for allegedly collecting over Ghc130,000 in illegal fees from parents of final year students.
Sources reveal that the headmistress, who also serves as the Eastern Regional Women’s Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), is purportedly demanding parents to pay Ghc160 under the guise of registering third-year students for the 2024 WASSCE and mock examinations.
The fee collection, labeled as “emergency registration fees,” is reportedly being facilitated through a mobile money number associated with the Parents Association. Out of the Ghc160, Ghc100 is claimed to be for WASSCE registration, while Ghc60 is for mock examinations.
With third year students population of over 830,the headmistress will actualize over Ghc133, 000 .
Parents are allegedly being coerced into paying these fees before the Easter Holidays.
Bryt FM has obtained lists of final year students whose parents have made either partial or full payments.
However, some parents express anger, asserting that neither the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) nor the government through the Ghana Education Service has sanctioned such fee collection. Despite attempts to seek clarification from PTA Executives, they have declined to comment, citing a scheduled meeting to address the matter.
Government policy dictates the absorption of WASSCE registration fees for candidates in public schools, as announced by President Akufo-Addo in 2021.
This recent development raises concerns about compliance with government directives and transparency in fee collection processes.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Education Service, Cassandra Twum Ampofo, declined to respond to inquiries.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
