How GES handled interdiction of 11 headteachers was unprofessional — MP

Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, who is the Parliamentary Ranking Member on the Education Committee, has spoken out against the Ghana Education Service’s (GES) handling of the charges against eleven senior high school principals who have been interdicted for allegedly collecting illegal fees.

A more professional handling of the matter by the GES, according to Mr. Kotoe, would have been to ensure that the accused headteachers had a fair hearing before the decision to interdict them.

I will admit that the principals of the country’s senior high schools are under pressure to carry out their duties, but we are cognizant of the fact that they have been given clear instructions. I am unhappy with the Ghana Education Service’s unprofessional handling of the situation, even though they may have made a mistake.

No matter the offense, the first thing an employer should do is invite the employee and hear their side of the story, according to Mr. Kotoe. “These are people working for you to help you pursue your agenda,” he noted.

Relatedly, on December 12, 2023, a committee established to investigate the allegations is slated to hear from four of the seven head teachers who were interdicted for allegedly charging unauthorized fees in the Ashanti Region.

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has been in the news recently for interdicting 11 headteachers across the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Bono regions. The headteachers were accused of various offenses, including:

• Charging unauthorized fees to students
• Selling unapproved items to students
• Engaging in other forms of financial misconduct

The interdictions have sparked a heated debate in Ghana, with some people supporting the GES’s decision and others criticising it.

Reasons for the Interdictions

The GES has stated that the interdictions were necessary to ensure that schools are run transparently and that students are not being exploited. The service has also said that it will not hesitate to take action against any school administrators who are found to be engaging in misconduct.

Criticisms of the Interdictions

Some people have criticized the GES for its handling of the situation. They argue that the service did not properly investigate the allegations before taking action. They also say that the interdictions are unfair and that the headteachers are being punished for minor offences.

Impact of the Interdictions

The interdictions have had a significant impact on the affected schools. Many of the schools are now struggling to function without their head teachers. The interdictions have also caused a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty among students and parents.

The Way Forward

It is important for the GES to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations against the headteachers. If the headteachers are found to be guilty of misconduct, they should be punished accordingly. However, if they are found to be innocent, they should be reinstated immediately.

It is also important for the GES to work with the headteachers and other stakeholders to develop clear guidelines on what is considered acceptable behaviour for school administrators. This will help to prevent future incidents of misconduct.

Public Opinion

The public is divided on the issue of the interdictions. Some people believe that the GES is right to take action against the headteachers, while others believe that the service is overreacting.

A recent poll conducted by a Ghanaian media outlet found that 52% of respondents believe that the interdictions were justified, while 48% believe that they were not.

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The interdiction of the 11 headteachers is a serious matter that has raised a number of important issues. It is important for the GES to handle the situation carefully and transparently in order to ensure that the best interests of students are served.