The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Aburi Girls Senior High School has decided to levy each student GHC20 towards the purchase of a four-wheel drive vehicle as "a parting gift" for the school's headmistress. But the PTA's decision, which was taken at its meeting two weeks ago, has been frowned upon by the Ghana Education Service (GES) which described it as illegal. A highly-placed source at the school which disclosed this to the Times, said the action could not be justified under any circumstance. "In fact, it is totally illegal," the source declared. The headmistress, Mrs. Sylvia Asempa, is due for retirement this month. The acting Deputy Director-General of the GES, Victor Mantey, when contacted by the Times, said the GES had received a report of the PTA's decision which was considered illegal "because it should have brought it to the attention of the Director-General for approval before imposing the levy." Mr. Mantey said much as the GES was not against the association recognising the achievements of the headmistress by rewarding her, "it is prudent for the PTA to abide by the GES guidelines on levies for schools." The GES guidelines on fees and levies stipulate that PTAs should seek approval before imposing any levies or fees outside the approved ones. Source: Times