NCPTA Reaffirms GH¢200 Cap on Semester Dues and Challenges GES Directive to Halt Collections

The National Council of Parents-Teacher Associations (NCPTA-Ghana) has reaffirmed that the maximum allowable Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues and levies for senior high schools are capped at GH¢200 per parent per semester. This announcement comes as the council firmly opposes a directive from the Ghana Education Service (GES) ordering a cessation of all such collections. NCPTA President Christian Aikins Atsu has asserted that the council is relying on a standing High Court injunction that protects existing collection practices, arguing that the GES order ignores legal precedents that preserve the autonomy of the associations in gathering funds for school development. The GH¢200 fee structure, clarified following an Extraordinary National Conference held from August 25 to 27, 2026, is specifically divided into GH¢50 for membership dues and GH¢150 as a development levy. President Atsu emphasized that these rates are the standard for all member associations, and any local PTA seeking to charge more than this stipulated amount must obtain express written clearance from the NCPTA national leadership. This move is designed to curb unauthorized financial demands on parents and maintain the credibility of the associations across the country while ensuring that school projects remain adequately funded. Beyond setting financial limits, the NCPTA leadership has urged local PTA executives to maintain transparency and resist external pressures. Atsu specifically cautioned executives against allowing school heads to influence financial practices or dictate the use of PTA funds. Parents have been encouraged to verify any demands exceeding the GH¢200 threshold with national executives to ensure they are not being overcharged. The council maintains that proper accounting and strict adherence to approved charges are essential for fostering trust between parents, teachers, and school administrators. The ongoing tension between the NCPTA and the Ghana Education Service highlights a significant struggle over the management and funding of secondary education. While the GES seeks to regulate or eliminate additional financial burdens on families, the NCPTA argues that these levies are vital for completing essential infrastructure projects and improving educational quality. By reinforcing its fee structure and citing legal protections, the NCPTA aims to solidify its role as a key stakeholder in the education sector, ensuring that parents remain active contributors to the maintenance of school environments.