Aflao: The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Aflao Border School, located in Ketu South, is advocating for the transfer of the headteacher, Madam Veronica Dzifa Zankoo, along with certain teachers, due to accusations of 'gross misconduct.'
According to Ghana News Agency, the PTA Chairman, Mr. Salawu James, in collaboration with other executives and Mr. Mohammed Amuzu, an Assembly member, has lodged a petition highlighting the necessity for immediate intervention due to the headteacher's ineffective leadership. The petition outlines various misconducts perpetrated by the staff, such as excessive flogging, expelling students over unpaid class fees, mistreating parents and students, truancy, inappropriate relationships with schoolgirls, and mismanagement of funds.
The petition further states that these behaviors by the headmistress and some teachers have caused significant disruptions within the school, adversely impacting both staff morale and student learning. Consequently, the PTA is urging for the transfer of the headteacher and the implicated teachers to ensure a return to effective leadership and a conducive learning environment.
Several parents have corroborated the PTA's grievances. Madam Theresa Zigah shared that her three daughters were compelled to take money from her shop to pay class fees to avoid punishment. Mr. Raphael Atsu Bluvi expressed frustration over teachers demanding payment for classes his children missed due to hospitalisation.
Madam Rosemary Bleboo pointed out that teachers who were committed to students' welfare had been transferred, which she believes has negatively impacted the quality of education. In defense, Madam Zankoo, who was recently acknowledged for her contributions to the school's BECE performance, mentioned that some of the claims were new to her and attributed others to miscommunication. She maintained that students were never expelled due to unpaid fees and clarified that payments for form three classes were mutually agreed with parents to enhance BECE results, while morning classes for primary five and six remained optional.
Rev Charles Elikplim Dorkenoo, the Public Relations Officer of the Ketu South Municipal Education Directorate, affirmed that the issues have been reported to Mr. Godwin Amelor, the Municipal Director. He added that a committee has been formed to investigate the allegations, with the findings set to inform subsequent actions.