Food crisis: Akufo-Addo govt to blame for inactive PTA – Ashanti Regional Chairman

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) has blamed the ongoing food shortages in Senior High Schools (SHS) on the previous Akufo-Addo administration's decision to sideline PTAs in second-cycle institutions.

According to him, banning PTA activities and intimidating headmasters under the Free SHS policy disrupted the smooth operation of schools.

His remarks come after the Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) appealed to parents and guardians to help address food shortages in schools. The shortages, which emerged shortly after schools reopened, have forced some institutions to ration supplies.

However, the Ashanti Regional PTA has expressed disagreement with CHASS's call for parental contributions, noting that many parents may lack the financial means to support such measures. The PTA chairman emphasized the need to involve Parent-Teacher Associations in finding long-term solutions to the crisis.

Speaking in an interview with Channel One News, Ashanti Regional PTA Chairman Kwabena Amofa Sarpong outlined plans to engage with school authorities and parents in the coming days to address the issue.

“Why I say it is pathetic is that we are working with these heads, and some of them don’t want to hear the name PTA; they have even changed it to PA,” Sarpong said. “We have decided that irrespective of whatever it is, we will help by feeding our students because their welfare is our welfare. We’re planning to meet and make a decision. We will definitely meet the heads halfway.”

Sarpong also criticized school authorities for their role in sidelining PTAs, attributing their reluctance to hold meetings to concerns about job security.

“The heads are also to be blamed because of job security, they stop PTA meetings. They are our children; we will help,” he added.

The PTA’s call for collaboration highlights the urgent need for a united approach to tackle the food crisis affecting SHS students.