The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has kept another campaign promise made by President John Dramani Mahama to restore the dignity of Parent Teacher Associations (PTA) in schools.
During the presentation of the National Curriculum Review Committee and PTA Association report in Accra, Education Minister Hon. Haruna Iddrisu praised the committee for creating guidelines that will help PTAs operate effectively and ensure a safe learning environment in schools.
“PTAs are truly back,” said Haruna Iddrisu.
“In Ghana, our idea of socialization is collective—parents support teachers, and teachers support parents. Together, they play a crucial role in shaping our children’s futures
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It is important to remember that when President Akufo-Addo took office, his government abolished the previous PTA system and replaced it with Parent Associations (PA) in schools without input from teachers.
He also stressed that the new guidelines would empower PTAs to enhance learning outcomes while fostering accountability and collaboration in education.
The Minister announced that President John Dramani Mahama will launch Ghana’s first National Alumni Fund in early 2026 to provide quick financial assistance to schools during emergencies like fires, rainstorms, or natural disasters.
“This fund will ensure that when emergencies occur, we won’t have to endure lengthy government processes to respond. Alumni will have the chance to support their schools, and the fund will be managed transparently and credibly,” he promised.
Haruna Iddrisu pointed out that the government cannot bear the entire cost of education, urging civil society, alumni associations, and the private sector to collaborate in sustaining the education sector.
He assured the public that the ongoing placement of candidates from the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is free from any political or ministerial influence, emphasizing that neither he nor the Director-General can alter placements.
Mr. Kofi Asare, the Chairman of the National Curriculum Review Committee, explained that the new guidelines for PTAs state that only parents or guardians with children currently attending a school can join or hold positions in that school’s PTA.
While presenting the final report on the policy guidelines for the operation of PTAs to the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Mr. Asare mentioned that this initiative aims to enhance accountability, minimize conflicts, and empower PTAs to improve educational outcomes.
He pointed out that a significant change in the guidelines is the clear limitation on membership: “This guideline prohibits individuals or parents whose children do not attend the school from being PTA members. To join the PTA or hold an executive position, your child or ward must be enrolled in the school first.”
Additionally, he highlighted that the guidelines establish fixed terms for PTA executives to avoid lifetime tenure and enhance financial oversight by requiring audits from the Auditor General. He also noted that levies cannot be imposed without the consent of district education oversight committees.
Mr. Asare emphasized that PTAs should not be viewed merely as fundraising entities but as collaborators in decision-making and implementation to improve educational outcomes. The guidelines also define PTAs as strictly school-based, excluding regional or national associations.
“Once your child finishes school, you cease to be a PTA member. Membership is directly linked to your child’s enrolment in that school,” he stressed.
The Education Ministry plans to implement the guidelines across the country, involving district assemblies, school management committees, and the Ghana Education Service.