Three TVET principals suspended over illegal fees

The Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service has suspended three principals of technical institutes across the country for allegedly collecting unauthorized fees and engaging in extortion.

The affected schools are Agona Swedru Technical Institute in the Central Region, Sunyani Technical Institute in the Bono Region, and Madina Technical Institute in the Greater Accra Region.

In a statement issued on Monday, October 27, the Management of the Ghana TVET Service said the decision follows credible reports that the principals were imposing unapproved fees in violation of the Service’s directives and the government’s Free TVET Policy.

The allegations include admission fees, boarding protocol charges, payments for changing residential status from day to boarding, fashion practical item charges, bedsheet fees, and PTA-related levies.

“These practices stand in direct violation of the government’s Free TVET Policy and undermine the Service’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to technical and vocational education across the country,” the statement noted.

Management has since placed the three principals on a 30-day administrative leave with immediate effect while investigations continue. Committees have been constituted to conduct thorough and impartial inquiries into each case.

During this period, the day-to-day administration of the affected institutions will be overseen by the respective Regional Directors of the Service, Madam Hannah Asamoah for the Central Region (Agona Swedru Technical Institute), Mr. Gabriel Gyamfi for the Bono Region (Sunyani Technical Institute), and Engr. Juliana Nkrumah for the Greater Accra Region (Madina Technical Institute).

The TVET Service reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on corruption and misconduct, emphasizing its dedication to upholding integrity and accountability within the system.

“Management remains resolute in upholding accountability, transparency, and fairness in the management of Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions across Ghana,” the statement read.

It also assured parents, students, and the general public of its unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the admission process and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in all TVET institutions nationwide.