Heads worried about date of absorption of school fees

Tepa (Ash), May 14, GNA - Heads of some basic schools in the Ahafo-Ano North District have called on the Ministry of Education to come out with the specific date that the government's decision to absorb fees paid by pupils in the primary and junior secondary schools will become functional.

They said since Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, announced the decision in February some parents have refused to pay fees pertaining to culture, sports and examination as well as development and Parent/Teacher Association levies. The school heads said parents argued that the government had already paid such fees and there was no reason making any payment again. The heads made the call at a one-day workshop on financial management organised for them at Tepa by the Ahafo-Ano North District Assembly.

Some 38 basic school heads drawn from Kojo Bediako, Anyinamso and the Tepa circuits attended it.

Mr Julius Kwashie Odoyye, the District Director of Education, said even though there were delays in the implementation of the decision, it was still important for heads of schools to exercise restraint and be more tolerant with parents.