Government Restricts Excessive School Charges Following Parliament Concern

The Minister of State for Education and Sports, Hon Peter Ogwang, has, in a statement to Parliament, communicated Government’s intervention against exorbitant school fees and requirements.

During the plenary sitting of Wednesday August 30, 2023, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among raised concern about the adamant unilateral increment of fees by school administrators, at the expense of parents.

Speaker Among demanded Government Regulations prescribing the manner in which school charges and requirements can be levied, having in mind the prevailing economic circumstances and the convenience of parents.

Minister Ogwang during the sitting of Thursday August 31, 2023, heeded to the calls and presented interventions.

“…the Ministry shares the concern of honorable Members about prohibitive school fees charges which are denying access to education for a number of learners and compromising the Government objectives of providing affordable, quality education for all and increasing equitable access to Education,” said Hon Ogwang.

He said fees increment will now no longer be arbitrary.

“No school, Private or Government, shall increase school fees for whatever reason without written authorization from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports and/or Chief Administrative officer/Town clerk as the case may be,” said Hon Ogwang.

“Other cash and non-cash requirements outside the approved school fees structure are strictly prohibited. All non-cash items must be catered for in the school budget,” he added.

Unsatisfied, Speaker Among pressed harder for more answers.

“Does your circular categorise these schools in terms of village schools, urban schools; what redress do you have for parents who are complaining that the school fees are still being raised?” said Speaker Among.