We don’t have to consult with you before raising our fees – private school owners tell parents

The Conference of Directors of Private Pre-Tertiary Schools (CODPPTS) declares that it is not mandatory for members to reduce the amounts levied for fees and other services rendered to parents and their wards during the year school 2020/21.

This, according to the Association, because, just as hotels and all private business entities in Ghana can revise their rates without consulting clients or clients, owners of private schools have the same prerogative.

In a press release signed by Association President Philip Boateng Mensah, parents were encouraged to stop complaining about the increase in tuition fees and bring their wards to schools within their budget. .

“Parents have unlimited access to all schools in Ghana, including public schools, which are almost free, so there’s no point in deciding to stay at a particular school when your budget can’t keep you there.

“Private schools have levels. Maintenance, operating expenses, and the quality of teachers and other services differ from school to school. If you want a five star school, you should be prepared to pay for five star service, ”the statement read.

The statement follows various petitions by parents and other stakeholders to private school owners to reduce admission and tuition fees as schools reopen across the country, in accordance with a directive from the government. president Akufo-Addo.

Parents had alleged that the effect of Covid-19 and its impact on businesses supported their demand for lower tuition fees.

But in making its case, the Association said owners of private schools were left without parental or government support during the pandemic outbreak, hence the decision to adjust fees upwards for properly manage the security protocols described by the Ghana Health Service.

“Covid19 was a revelation to entrepreneurs in the private education sector because, when schools were closed for almost a year, no parent or government was concerned about how teachers or owners of private schools were getting away with providing a lifeline.
for survival.

“The online studies, which were organized by the schools, did not see serious participation from most of the parents who are supposed to be our main stakeholders.

“In most cases, even when the tuition has been cut in half, most parents have not paid for the registration of their pupils in virtual lessons, as a means of supporting the private school teacher and to maintain the school.

In view of this, the Association said: “It is important to seize this opportunity to educate all parents, who have wards in private schools, that, as we recognize that they are major stakeholders , their right to participate has a limit and does not extend to price fixing, which is the responsibility of the school owners. “

Therefore, “parents can negotiate a reduction or flexible payment terms from private school owners. However, owners of private schools are not obliged to follow the wishes of parents.