Ellis Ferdinand Criticizes NAPO Over PTA Project Failures and Free SHS Policy

Ferdinand | EducationGhana |  January 18|  Ellis Ferdinand Criticizes NAPO Over PTA Project Failures and Free SHS Policy

Ghanaian education blogger Ellis Ferdinand accuses NAPO of causing the collapse of PTA projects in public SHSs and discusses the broader impact of Free SHS and the transition from PTA to PA.

Education Blogger Ellis Ferdinand Criticizes NAPO Over PTA Project Failures and Free SHS Policy

Ghanaian education blogger, curriculum specialist, and researcher Ellis Ferdinand has criticized former Education Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) for his role in the collapse of PTA projects in public Senior High Schools (SHSs) across the country.

His concerns extend to the broader implications of the Free SHS policy, including the transition from Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to Parents Associations (PAs) and its impact on school development.

The Free SHS Policy and Its Impact

The Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, introduced in 2017 by the NPP government under President Nana Akufo-Addo, aimed to provide free secondary education to all Ghanaian students.

While the policy significantly increased enrollment and ensured tuition-free education, it also introduced financial constraints that affected school administration, infrastructure, and welfare programs.

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PTA Projects Halted Due to Policy Changes

In a Facebook post on Friday, January 17, 2025, Ferdinand expressed concerns over the dissolution of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and its negative impact on school development projects.

“I visited KWASTECH in 2024. The project the PTA started in 2017 never materialized because of the dissolution of PTAs. One of the sins of NAPO that must be reviewed.” – Ellis Ferdinand

The government transitioned PTAs to Parents Associations (PAs), limiting their ability to collect levies that previously funded essential school infrastructure, dormitories, classrooms, and extracurricular activities.

This shift was meant to reduce financial burdens on parents, but many argue it has hindered progress on school projects.

Challenges in Public SHS Infrastructure

Since the implementation of Free SHS, many public SHSs have struggled with:

• Overcrowding due to increased enrollment
• Inadequate infrastructure and halted PTA-funded projects
• Challenges in maintaining school facilities
• Strained financial resources for extracurricular and support programs

Call for Policy Review

Ellis Ferdinand’s remarks reignite discussions on whether the ban on PTA contributions should be reconsidered to allow community-driven projects to thrive again in SHSs. Stakeholders in the education sector continue to debate the long-term effects of this policy on school infrastructure and educational quality.

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