EduWatch exposes SHS charging ‘Free SHS’ first-year students GHC680 for Bible

The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch (EduWatch), Mr Kofi Asare, has called on the Ghana TVET Service to take swift action and investigate alleged unapproved charges at St. Paul’s Technical School located in the Akyem Kukurantumi in the Abuakwa North Municipality of the Eastern Region.

In a social media post sighted by GhanaEducation.org, EduWatch stated that the Technical School is charging parents GHC 680 for a Bible, Health Guide, Exeat Book, and overall for practical work, 10 exercise books, and a tracksuit, all without providing receipts.

“I understand that St. Paul’s Technical, Kukurantumi, is charging parents GHC 680 for a Bible, Health Guide, Exeat Book, overall for practical work, 10 exercise books, and a tracksuit, all without receipts,” he noted.

The EduWatch Director also indicated that management of St. Paul’s Technical School has asked parents to pay GHC 280 for two school uniforms and GHC 85 for one ream of A4 paper, all of which are sold within the school. Payment is demanded before admission.

“Did the TVET Service approve this sale? Under the Free SHS, the government provides school uniforms, exercise books, etc. Ghana TVET Service, as you did last year, please take swift action. I will follow up, and I have parents ready to testify,” he said in the post.

The Africa Education Watch (EduWatch) Director added, “Again, it is my firm opinion that TVET working gear and protective equipment is a learning resource the government must provide.”

In other news, the Director-General of the Ghana TVET Service, Dr Eric Kofi Adzroe, following the start of the 2025/2026 academic year, has welcomed all first-year students who were placed by the computerized school placement system into various technical schools in the country.

In his welcoming message, he said, “Kickstarting a year of excellence, creativity, and impact. Dr. Eric Kofi Adzroe, Ag. Director-General of Ghana TVET Service extends a warm welcome to all continuing learners and a special welcome to our new first-year students embarking on their exciting journey into technical and vocational education.

Whether you’re in the workshop honing your practical skills, in the lab experimenting with new ideas, or in the classroom learning the theory behind your craft, every skill you gain shapes a stronger Ghana.

TVET is about transforming passion into real skills that build the future. Let’s make this academic year count! Let’s make it one of excellence, creativity, and impact that contributes to Ghana’s growth and development.”