GES becoming a source of avoidable disaffection for NDC gov’t – Edem Agbana

Ketu North Member of Parliament (MP) Eric Edem Agbana has criticised the Ghana Education Service (GES) over its handling of recent issues involving Prospectus Ghana Limited.

The concerns stem from reports that newly admitted Senior High School students are being required to purchase items and other educational materials listed in their respective school prospectuses, from the aforementioned supplier.

Meanwhile, in a clarification the GES said it has an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prospectus Ghana Limited, but that the purchase of the company’s educational products by schools, parents and students is strictly voluntary.

Reacting in a social media post on Monday, September 28, Edem Agbana, who is also a member of Parliament’s Education Committee, said the latest GES statement on the matter raises more questions than it answers.

“The GES is increasingly becoming a source of avoidable disaffection for our government. From the handling of teacher recruitments to issues of teacher’s promotion and others,” the lawmaker wrote.

He said the GES should publish the MoU with Prospectus Ghana Limited to enable the public to understand the terms of the agreement.

According to him, the document should clarify what was agreed between the two parties, the products covered and the extent of the authority granted to Prospectus Ghana.

Edem Agbana also questioned why Prospectus Ghana had allegedly created the impression that it had an agreement to introduce or impose its products on parents and students if, as stated by the GES, purchases were voluntary.

He further asked whether other businesses selling educational items are required to obtain an MoU with the GES before introducing their products to schools.

“If the GES says it has an MoU with Prospectus Ghana Limited, then publish the MoU. Ghanaians deserve to know exactly what was agreed, what products it covers, and what authority, if any, it gives Prospectus Ghana,” he said.

The MP said the GES must also explain whether Prospectus Ghana exceeded the terms of its agreement, if any such breach occurred.