The National Council of Parents-Teachers Associations, Ghana (NCPTA) has urged parents of first-year Senior High School (SHS) students not to make any payments to EduPack PGL for the purchase of prospectus items.

The Association says EduPack PGL, also known as Prospectus Ghana Limited, has not been authorised by the Ghana Education Service (GES) to sell prospectus items to parents or collect payments on behalf of schools.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 9, the NCPTA cautioned parents against paying the reported GH¢1,617 being charged for a package comprising a metal trunk or suitcase, plastic chop box, Macintosh mattress and Macintosh pillow.

The items, according to the NCPTA, are reportedly being offered for collection on SHS campuses.

The Association described the arrangement as deceptive and an attempt to compel parents to purchase prospectus items from a single source.

“Don’t pay! We instruct all Ghanaian parents not to pay any money or buy any item from EduPack PGL,” the NCPTA said.

It stressed that parents remain free to purchase prospectus items from the open market, as has traditionally been the practice.

The NCPTA further argued that schools should not be turned into marketplaces by forcing parents to purchase items from a particular vendor at a fixed price.

The Association welcomed a disclaimer issued by the GES distancing itself from EduPack PGL and stating that it had not sanctioned, directed or authorised parents to engage the company.

However, the NCPTA said the disclaimer alone was insufficient and called on the GES to take further action against those behind the alleged scheme.

It urged the GES to use its legal and administrative powers to warn and sanction heads of schools who may permit such sales on their campuses.

The Association also called for immediate legal action against EduPack PGL and any entity allegedly using the GES logo to mislead or defraud parents.

The NCPTA said punishing those responsible would serve as a deterrent to others who may seek to exploit parents during the SHS admission process.

It has also urged Regional, District and School PTA executives to remain vigilant and report any attempts to enforce such purchases to the NCPTA Secretariat and the GES.