The Mayor of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Mr. Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, has called for the immediate transfer of all teachers at Buokrom M/A Basic School following disturbing reports of extortion of GHC30 from pupils.

According to the Mayor, the directive was given to the Metro Directorate of Education after an internal investigation confirmed that teachers had illegally levied pupils GHC30 each—a matter that has since sparked public outrage and gained traction online.

The Viral Video That Sparked the Controversy

The scandal first came to light through a viral video shared by a user with the handle @governor1tv, which sought to draw the attention of the President of Ghana to an alleged extortion scheme at the Buokrom Estate M/A Basic School. The video accused the head teacher and staff of demanding compulsory payment from each pupil, a move the Mayor has now described as “unauthorized and unacceptable.”

Mayor’s Statement on Akoma FM

Speaking in an interview on Akoma FM with John Marfo on August 4, 2025, the Mayor confirmed that he had already issued the directive for the teachers’ transfer hours before an official statement was released.

“President Mahama has not authorized any head to levy pupils. The Capitation Grant has been paid, with no outstanding arrears. So teachers have received money to run the schools,” he stated.

“I watched the video and I was distressed. No child should be denied an exam because of money.”

Confirmed Findings and Disciplinary Action

Mr. Ofori-Agyeman Boadi further revealed that investigations conducted by the Metro Education Office confirmed the claims in the video.

“We have verified that the head teacher and other staff indeed levied each pupil GHC30. Worse, a pupil who couldn’t pay was allegedly barred from writing exams. That is unacceptable,” the Mayor said.

In response, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has summoned all teachers involved to appear before a disciplinary committee on August 15, 2025.

Transfer Directive Issued

Even as the disciplinary process unfolds, the KMA Mayor has issued a firm directive:

“All teachers of Buokrom M/A Basic School are to be immediately transferred. We cannot tolerate such unethical practices in our public schools. Teachers must not exploit the system for personal gain.”

READ: GES Recruitment 2025 Confusion Looms as Government Plans to Cancel Teacher Licensure Exam

Discipline and Accountability in Ghana’s Basic Schools

This incident highlights growing concerns over illegal levies and exploitation in public basic schools. As the GES prepares to take disciplinary action, the public awaits stronger measures to restore trust and accountability within Ghana’s educational institutions.