Speaking at the school premises on Monday, following a complaint by a group of parents, Mr. Bagbin pointed out that under no circumstance should a student be sacked during school hours for non payment of fees and cautioned that if the management fails to comply with his directive a "higher authority" would have to intervene in this impasse in which innocent and willing pupils are the victim.

He said the Association of Private Schools and the Ghana Education Service (GES) have come out with modalities aimed at facilitating the collection of fess. He lamented that "text book user fees are not allowed" explaining that it is the government which provides the text books.

He said the collection of monies under the pretext of "maintenance fees" is also not allowed. He however called on the parents to come to "common grounds" with the management for the sake of their wards' In a statement issued by the 'Concerned parents' of the school the group argued that, "...on January 31st a bill for third term was sent to parents with an ultimatum stating that payment must be made on or before the reopening of the term."

The statement pointed out that fees for second term was increased at the beginning of second term without the notice of the PTA.

On 15th March, all final year students were not allowed to attend normal classes because of third term fees which is not yet due. The group maintained that all efforts to arrive at a settlement between the parents, PTA chairperson and the school for more time to settle the bills has proved futile.

When ADM contacted the proprietor of the school who gave his name as Mr. Okine for his side of the story, he dismissed the offer with these words: "At the moment am not in the position to comment". As at press time yesterday, the impasse had still not been resolved and the students were still locked out.

Please see ADM Opinion.