MMUN petitions GES over illegal after-school classes fees in public basic schools

The Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN), West African Chapter, has petitioned the Ghana Education Service (GES) over alleged forced after-school classes and the collection of illegal fees in some public basic schools.

The petition, dated October 7, 2026, and referenced MMUN/GES/AFTERSCHOOL/2026/002, was signed by Nii Ayitey Anumle Oyanka (King Oyanka), West Africa Chairman of the Montessori Model United Nations and World Human Rights Association Chairman for West Africa.

Addressed to the Director General of the Ghana Education Service at the GES Headquarters in Accra, the petition called for immediate action against what it described as practices that place financial and academic pressure on parents and pupils.

“I write in my capacity as West Africa Chairman, Montessori Model United Nations to formally petition your office,” the petition stated.

According to the petition, headmasters and teachers in some public basic schools are allegedly compelling pupils to attend “after-school classes” every day after official closing hours.

It further alleged that parents are being required to pay between GH¢10 and GH¢50 per month per child as “extra class fees.”

The petition claimed that pupils whose parents are unable to pay are allegedly discriminated against, punished or denied participation in certain school activities.

It also alleged that the after-school classes are not part of the official GES timetable and have not received approval from Municipal or District Directors.

The MMUN said the alleged practice was affecting pupils by denying them adequate time for rest, homework and family activities, with possible consequences for their health and academic performance.

The petition cited four main grounds for its complaint, including an alleged breach of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) policy, which guarantees free basic education.

It also alleged a breach of the GES Code of Conduct, arguing that teachers should not charge fees for teaching the official curriculum.

The organisation further described the practice as a child rights concern, arguing that children’s rights to rest, play and family life could be infringed.

It also raised concerns about discrimination against children from poorer families who may be unable to afford the alleged extra fees.

On the effects on pupils who participate in the extra classes, the petition said children could face exhaustion and burnout from spending between six and eight hours in normal classes and an additional two to three hours in extra classes.

“This leads to fatigue, poor concentration, and sickness,” the petition stated.

It added that pupils could lose valuable time for homework, household chores, play and bonding with their parents, which it said could affect their mental health.

The petition also highlighted the financial burden on parents, claiming that some families struggle to meet the alleged payments, potentially leading to debt and stress at home.

It further argued that some pupils could become dependent on extra classes and neglect learning during normal school hours.

For pupils who do not participate in the alleged classes, the MMUN raised concerns about discrimination and stigmatisation.

According to the petition, some non-participating pupils are allegedly labelled “lazy” or “not serious” and sidelined by teachers.

It also alleged that some pupils could be denied class positions or participation in activities, or receive lower marks in an attempt to pressure their parents into paying for the classes.

The organisation further claimed that teachers sometimes teach key topics only during the extra classes, putting pupils who do not participate at an academic disadvantage and potentially affecting their performance in examinations.

It said such experiences could also result in low self-esteem among children who feel inferior or pressured because their parents cannot afford the alleged fees.

The petition concluded that the situation “creates a two-class system in public schools” and argued that this violates FCUBE and the 1992 Constitution.

The MMUN subsequently presented four specific requests to the Ghana Education Service.

It asked GES to issue an immediate circular banning all forced after-school classes and illegal fees in public basic schools nationwide.

It also called on the Service to investigate and sanction headmasters and teachers found culpable, as well as order refunds of all monies illegally collected from parents.

The organisation further requested the establishment of a reporting mechanism through which parents and pupils could report such practices without fear.

“Education is a right, not a commodity. We trust GES will act to protect our children,” the petition stated.

The petition was copied to the Minister for Education, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education.

The document was signed by Nii Ayitey Anumle Oyanka (King Oyanka), who is identified as West Africa Chairman of the Montessori Model United Nations and World Human Rights Association Chairman for West Africa.