By Daniel Agbesi Latsu
Ho (V/R), Sept. 18, GNA – Mr Christian Aikins Atsu, the President of the National Council of Parents and Teachers Association (NCPTA)-Ghana, has called on Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to make the protection, welfare and well-being of students their paramount concern.
He said PTAs must work strategically with school heads to build mutual understanding and create an environment conducive to effective teaching, learning and the holistic development of students.
Mr Atsu made the call at a zonal meeting of the NCPTA-Ghana in Ho, the Volta Regional capital, where he engaged PTA executives on strengthening parental participation and accountability in education.
He said the Association remained a significant force in the education sector and, therefore, its executives must demonstrate credibility, accountability, discipline and effective organisation in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He urged PTA executives to communicate strategically with parents and other stakeholders to ensure that the concerns of parents were properly articulated and addressed.
“Parental voice in education is paramount; let us strategically communicate,” he said.
Mr Atsu also cautioned PTA executives against allowing disagreements with school authorities to undermine collaboration, saying PTAs should work closely with school heads while maintaining their independence.
“Let us work together with school heads, but do not kowtow,” he said.
He urged PTAs to establish separate WhatsApp platforms for parents of students in Forms One, Two and Three to facilitate the sharing of class-specific information and timely communication.
According to him, effective communication would help parents remain informed about developments in their children’s education and minimise the spread of rumours and misinformation.
He said PTAs should position themselves as policy influencers by providing constructive inputs into decisions affecting students and schools.
Mr Atsu stressed the need for a free flow of information between PTA executives and members, saying transparency would strengthen confidence and encourage greater parental participation in school activities.
He encouraged executives to focus on issues that directly promote the welfare and academic development of students rather than pursuing personal interests.
Mr Kwame Tawia Aggor, a founding member of NCPTA-Ghana and former Headmaster of Mawuli School, Ho, who contributed to the discussion, urged PTA executives to pursue excellence in their work and avoid self-seeking interests.
He encouraged them to uphold the objectives of the Association and work diligently to achieve tangible results for schools, parents and students.
Mr Aggor gave a brief history of the formation of PTAs in Ghana, saying the idea was mooted with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in 1985/86, following discussions on the need for parents to play a greater role in the administration and development of schools.
“PTA is legally registered, so let us be credible, work and chalk success,” he said.
He urged members to use their platforms responsibly and ensure that their activities complemented efforts by school authorities to improve education delivery.
The zonal meeting formed part of efforts by the NCPTA-Ghana to strengthen the capacity of PTA executives, enhance collaboration with school authorities and promote effective parental participation in education.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah