The Ghana Education Service (GES) has cautioned heads of schools across the country against demanding or collecting unauthorised levies under the name of Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, October 22, by the Public Relations Unit and signed by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations, GES said it has received reports that some second-cycle institutions are collecting various levies without approval.

“The Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has received reports that some second-cycle institutions are demanding and collecting various levies under the guise of Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues,” the statement said.

GES made it clear that no school in the country has been permitted to collect any PTA or development levy without official approval.

“We wish to state that no school has been authorised to collect any PTA or development levy without prior approval.”

According to the Service, any such approval must come from the District Education Oversight Committee (DEOC) through the District Director of Education in the case of basic schools, and from the Regional Director of Education in the case of second-cycle schools.

GES also reminded school authorities that even when such payments are approved, they must remain voluntary.

“Even when approved, such payments remain strictly voluntary, and no student should be denied any school service, right or benefit for non-payment.”

The statement further warned that no staff member of GES should be involved in collecting PTA levies.

“GES further directs that no Head, teacher, or GES staff member of any educational institution shall be involved in the collection of PTA levies. Fundraising activities, it explained, are the responsibility of “duly elected PTA Executives," it said.

The Service also tasked its regional and district directors to ensure strict monitoring and compliance. “Regional and District Directors are directed to monitor compliance and report any breach for immediate disciplinary action.”