Parents say they can't pay GH¢500 levy for classroom block

Deputy Education Minister, Dr J.S. Annan

The parents of some students of Aggrey Memorial Senior High School are kicking against a GH¢500 levy for the construction of a new classroom block.

They say the levy is illegal and are calling on the Ministry of Education to intervene.

A newsletter issued by the school's authorities is requesting parents and guardians to pay a termly levy of GH¢100 for five terms as their contribution for the construction of the 27-unit classroom block.

But the parents say the amount is simply too much for them to pay.

The headmaster of the school, Akwasi Amoako Antwi said if the government fails to complete the structure, the authorities will have no option but to levy parents.

He said while the government had pledged to build six classroom blocks for senior high schools to accommodate fresh students from junior high schools, Aggrey Memorial was not a beneficiary of the policy, necessitating the levy.

He appealed to individuals and organisations to come to the aid of the school.

Reacting to the impasse between the authorities and parents of the school, the Deputy Education Minister, Dr J.S. Annan said parents must not be overburdened.

He advised the school's authorities to consult with the Education Ministry on how to raise the needed funding to complete the structure.

Story by Malik Abass Daabu/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana