Stop Charging Exam Fees in Public Basic Schools – Eduwatch Urges Government
Education think tank Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) is calling on the Ghanaian government to immediately halt the practice of charging examination fees in public basic schools, citing concerns over access and equity in education.
Accra, Ghana – Education policy advocacy group, Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch), has made a passionate appeal to the Ghanaian government to stop the imposition of examination fees on pupils in public basic schools.
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, Eduwatch criticized the growing trend of schools charging pupils for internal assessments and term-end examinations, despite Ghana’s declared policy of free basic education.
According to Eduwatch Executive Director, Kofi Asare, the practice contradicts the essence of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) policy and undermines efforts to ensure equitable access to quality education across the country.
“Parents in public basic schools should not be paying for internal exams. The government must act now to address this violation of free education principles,” Mr. Asare stated.
Eduwatch’s call comes amid growing public concern about the rising cost of education at the basic level, particularly in low-income communities where many families struggle to afford even the most basic school-related expenses.
The organization has urged the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to issue clear directives banning the collection of exam fees and to ensure proper monitoring and enforcement at the district and school levels.
Conclusion:
Eduwatch is urging all stakeholders, including Parliament and civil society, to support calls for the full implementation of Ghana’s free education policy. The group emphasized that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege for those who can afford hidden charges.
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