NCPTAs Calls On GES to Reverse Parents Association to PTA

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The National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTAs) has pleaded with the Ghana Education Service (GES) to rename Parent Association (PA) to Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) forthwith. The NCPTAs assert that the new name offends and is seen as an imposition by their members.

Christian Atsu Aikins, the National President of the NCPTAs, sent a letter dated January 9, 2024, to Dr. Eric Nkansah, the Director-General (DG) of the GES, requesting the immediate revocation of the imposed name. According to the Daily Graphic's investigation, the GES has confirmed that it has received the letter.

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The letter's backdrop originates from the creation of guidelines for students and Parent-Teacher Associations (PAs), acknowledging the long-standing partnership between school heads and PTAs in setting project and activity priorities for implementation in schools. But school heads were not included as signatories to PTA accounts until 2013, in response to the Auditor-General's request that PTA money be treated as public funds subject to audit scrutiny.

The GES indicated that recent developments within PTA operations have hindered government efforts to ensure universal access to education, particularly at the senior high school level. In light of financial challenges in some schools, school heads were directed by the Auditor-General and the Director-General of Ghana Education Service to be involved in managing PTA finances to restore order.

The NCPTAs expressed that while they generally welcomed the content of the guidelines, they took issue with the intention to change the association's name from PTA to PA. Moreover, they highlighted inconsistencies between paragraphs four and 17 of the guidelines, noting that while guideline four "prescribes autonomy for the association," guideline 17 circumvents this autonomy by giving it to the Director-General and school management through submission of audited accounts and quarterly reports for approvals.

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PTAs' Contributions

The NCPTAs emphasized the long-standing existence of PTAs and their significant contributions to the government's education initiatives. They stressed that PTAs have consistently worked to ensure that students receive comprehensive, high-quality, and relevant education. The NCPTAs also cited the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, particularly Articles 15, 16, and 18, which mandate freedom of association. They underscored the interdependent relationship between parents, teachers, and school management in the care and education of children, emphasizing the crucial role of teachers as caregivers and educators.

Registration

The letter highlighted the full registration of the PTA and its hierarchical structure, which includes the National Council of PTAs and its School-Based, Zonal, Regional, and National components. The NCPTAs expressed disappointment in the proposed guidelines, asserting that they were based on an individual's opinion and were being used to direct the affairs of a registered association. They urged the GES to recognize parents as the ultimate custodians of their children's education and emphasized the need for the guidelines to be inclusive and respectful of all stakeholders.

Engagement

The NCPTAs urged the GES to set aside the guidelines and engage in further discussions with them to develop comprehensive, effective procedures that would be acceptable to all parties involved. They emphasized the importance of respecting and valuing all individuals contributing to parenting and children's education in Ghana.

The statement emphasized the idea that while one person gives birth, many others contribute to the education and well-being of children. It stressed the importance of collaboration between the GES and PTA, highlighting their joint responsibility for the overall welfare of children.

In reference to the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the statement called for a unified effort to uphold the provisions outlined in Article 25 (1) (e) and Article 28(1) (a) & (c). It also acknowledged the positive history of cooperation and joint projects that have significantly contributed to the current state of education.

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The PTA's National Council expressed its desire to meet with the Director-General of the GES to discuss and refine the guidelines, ensuring that GES employees have the freedom to choose whether to participate in the association. It specified that teachers could be members but would not be involved in fundraising activities.

Furthermore, it clarified that students would not be required to join the association, although they would still benefit from its activities. Additionally, no student would face repercussions for their parents' non-payment of association contributions.

The statement also emphasized that while PTAs would complement government and GES-provided infrastructure and other school needs, they would do so within their financial capabilities.

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