The Ghana Education Service (GES) has distanced itself from the National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTA), insisting that the body has no mandate to negotiate or enter into commercial agreements on behalf of public schools, parents or students.
The clarification follows reports of a partnership between the NCPTA and Prospectus Ghana Limited to market and sell educational products in about 200 schools.
In a Facebook post, the GES said it does not recognise any national PTA structure with the authority to issue directives or negotiate sales arrangements for schools and parents under its jurisdiction.
According to the Service, Parent-Teacher Associations operate at the individual school level and engage directly with local school authorities on issues relating to learner development and school welfare.
“The GES does not recognise a national PTA structure empowered to issue directives, negotiate sales arrangements, or represent all parents and schools under the Service,” it said.
GES clarifies Prospectus Ghana agreement
The GES also clarified that it has a separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prospectus Ghana to introduce the company’s educational products and services to schools.
However, it stressed that the agreement does not make the purchase of the products compulsory.
“The MoU does not make the acquisition of Prospectus Ghana products compulsory, nor does it empower any external body to impose them as required school items,” the Service said.
The GES urged school authorities, parents and third-party vendors to ensure that all communications and commercial arrangements comply with its official guidelines.
It said the clarification was intended to prevent misunderstanding and protect parents and students from unauthorised financial commitments.
The Service reiterated its commitment to preventing unauthorised fees, compulsory product purchases and unapproved financial levies in public schools.
It added that it would continue to enforce compliance across public basic and senior high schools to ensure that access to education remains transparent and free from unapproved charges.
