Parents of students attending private basic schools in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Area have voiced their concerns over the escalating costs of educational materials and school fees.
They also lamented the annual practice of purchasing new textbooks, a departure from previous norms where older children would pass on their textbooks to younger siblings.
This tradition has been replaced by the yearly expense of acquiring new textbooks due to publishers' updates or modifications.
Mr. Philip Baidoo, a private teacher and father of four, expressed his frustration with the financial burden placed on parents.
His monthly salary of less than GH¢1300 struggles to cover the costs of textbooks and school fees each term and year.
“It is not easy for some of us… the books are expensive, likewise fees,” he stated. Mr. Baidoo revealed that he was forced to take out a loan of over GH¢4000, adding further stress to his household finances.
Mr. Baidoo expressed a desire for school authorities to permit students to use their older siblings' textbooks, which could alleviate the annual financial strain associated with private school education.
Another parent, Madam Efua Tawiah, expressed concern about the high fees and textbook costs, suggesting that government intervention was needed to regulate private school activities. She stated, “We know private school owners need to make a profit, but school fees and books are slowly burdening parents.”
Mr. Kofi Essien, a carpenter, highlighted the financial challenges he faces, especially considering the cost of textbooks and school fees for his three-year-old child.
He emphasized the importance of affordable education, urging the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, and education-focused non-governmental organizations to advocate for cost-control measures.
Ms. Mabel Anokye, a single parent and social worker, expressed her concerns over the financial strain of providing textbooks and paying fees for her four children.
She called on publishers and relevant stakeholders to prioritize affordability, emphasizing that learning materials should promote continuity rather than requiring expensive yearly updates.
Reporting by Mildred Siabi-Mensah: Editing by Adewale Adejoke
