The headmaster of a prestigious second-cycle institution in Pokukrom, located in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, has found himself embroiled in a controversial situation after he refused to release student certificates without a payment of GH₵100. This incident has caused a stir among the public, especially after a video capturing the confrontation went viral.
In the video, the headmaster can be seen telling students that they must either pay the required amount or leave without their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. He defiantly states:
“Take me to the Supreme Court.”
According to the students involved, the school has mandated that all final-year students pay GH₵100 before they can receive their certificates. However, a female student who recorded the incident strongly opposed this directive. She argued that the students do not owe the school any money and should be entitled to their certificates without any additional charges. She even mentioned that her father, who works with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), confirmed that WAEC does not require any extra fees for certificate release.
In her view, only students with outstanding fees or debts to the school should face such restrictions, not those who are in good financial standing. This incident has sparked a larger debate about the legality of withholding certificates and the authority of school administrators to introduce fees that are not part of approved guidelines.
Many individuals have called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to investigate the matter and provide clarity on the regulations governing certificate distribution. The video of the confrontation continues to circulate on social media, with opinions divided. While some defend the headmaster’s actions as a disciplinary measure, others view it as unlawful and exploitative.
The incident serves as a reminder of the power dynamics within educational institutions and the need for transparency in fee structures. It also highlights the importance of upholding the rights of students and ensuring that they are not unfairly burdened with additional financial obligations. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial for authorities to address the concerns raised and take appropriate action to uphold the integrity of the education system.
