The Ministry of Education has warned school authorities across Ghana against charging unauthorised fees and diverting food meant for students, describing the practices as a betrayal of trust that could leave children without the meals intended for them.

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, said school managements must ensure that students receive the food provided for them under government arrangements and refrain from imposing unapproved financial burdens on parents.

He delivered the warning at the 50th anniversary celebration of Zamse Senior High/Technical School (ZAMSTECH) in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.

Dr. Apaak stressed that no child should go hungry because food intended for students had been diverted, insisting that school authorities had a responsibility to protect the welfare of learners and ensure that resources meant for them served their intended purpose.

He also cautioned against the collection of fees that had not been authorised, saying parents should not be forced to shoulder additional financial burdens outside approved arrangements.

The Deputy Minister clarified that the concerns were not directed at ZAMSTECH but applied to schools across the country, underscoring the need for compliance with the Ministry’s directives and accountability in the management of school resources.

Beyond the concerns over school meals and unauthorised charges, Dr. Apaak called for a united effort to tackle growing indiscipline in schools.

He urged teachers, parents, traditional authorities, religious leaders and local communities to work together to instil discipline among students and promote responsible behaviour.

According to him, addressing indiscipline requires more than the efforts of school authorities alone, making cooperation among all stakeholders essential to creating a safe and supportive learning environment.

His remarks come amid broader concerns about student welfare, discipline and accountability in Ghana’s education system. Ensuring that students receive meals intended for them, while preventing unauthorised charges, remains important to protecting families and maintaining public confidence in school management.

EA

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