Parents and guardians in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality have expressed growing concern over what they describe as exorbitant fees and numerous levies being charged by some private schools in the area. They say the increasing financial burden is making it difficult for many families to keep their children in private education.
According to several parents who spoke to DailyTimesGH, apart from tuition and admission fees, some schools are demanding additional payments for activities such as Culture Day, Career Day, graduation ceremonies, sports festivals, excursions and other school programmes. They argue that these charges have become frequent and, in some cases, compulsory.
The parents contend that while they appreciate the importance of extracurricular activities in the development of their children, the cumulative cost of these levies has become overwhelming, particularly in the face of rising living expenses and the country’s economic challenges.
Some guardians also alleged that they are often given little notice before the payment deadlines, making it difficult to make adequate financial arrangements. They appealed to school authorities to engage parents before introducing new charges and to ensure that all fees are reasonable and transparent.
Others questioned whether all the levies being charged are necessary, urging school proprietors to review their fee structures to avoid placing excessive pressure on parents. They stressed that education should remain accessible and not become a financial burden beyond the reach of ordinary families.
The concerned parents further called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to investigate the matter and ensure that private schools comply with regulations governing the approval and collection of school fees. They believe stronger oversight will help protect parents from unjustified charges.
They also appealed to the GES to establish clear guidelines on additional levies for extracurricular activities such as Culture Day and Career Day, insisting that such programmes should not become avenues for imposing excessive financial demands on parents.
Some education stakeholders have acknowledged that private schools incur operational costs that may require additional funding. However, they also emphasized that any extra charges should be reasonable, clearly explained and agreed upon through proper consultation with parents.
Parents are therefore calling on the Ghana Education Service to take swift action by engaging private school operators, reviewing the various levies being imposed and ensuring that any approved fees are fair, transparent and in the best interest of both learners and their families.
As the new academic term approaches, many parents hope that constructive dialogue between school authorities, parent associations and the Ghana Education Service will result in practical solutions that promote quality education while easing the financial burden on households in Bibiani.
