The Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN), West Africa Chapter, has petitioned the Ghana Education Service (GES) over alleged compulsory after-school classes and the collection of additional fees from pupils in some public basic schools.
The petition, dated October 7, 2026, was signed by the West Africa Chairman of MMUN, Nii Ayitey Anumle Oyanka, popularly known as King Oyanka, and addressed to the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service.
According to the petition, headteachers and teachers in some public basic schools are allegedly compelling pupils to remain in school after official closing hours to attend what the organisation describes as “after-school classes.”
MMUN claims parents are being asked to pay between GH¢10 and GH¢50 per child each month as “extra class fees.”
The organisation further alleged that pupils whose parents are unable to pay the fees are sometimes discriminated against, punished or prevented from participating in certain school activities.
It also claimed that the extra classes are not part of the official GES timetable and, in some cases, are allegedly being organised without approval from Municipal or District Education Directors.
MMUN said the situation was putting unnecessary pressure on both pupils and their parents.
“Pupils are denied rest, time for homework, and family time. This affects their health and performance,” the petition stated.
The organisation also raised concerns about the amount of time some pupils allegedly spend at school each day.
It argued that some children could spend between six and eight hours in regular classes before remaining for another two to three hours of extra lessons.
“6-8 hours of normal class + 2-3 hours extra = 10+ hour school day. Leads to fatigue, poor concentration, and sickness,” the petition stated.
MMUN said the alleged practice could also affect family life, as children lose valuable time that could otherwise be spent doing homework, helping with household chores, playing or bonding with their parents.
The organisation also expressed concern about the financial burden on families, saying some parents could struggle to meet the additional payments.
“Families struggle to pay, leading to debt and stress at home,” it stated.
The petition further alleged that pupils who do not attend the extra classes may be treated differently by some teachers.
According to MMUN, such pupils could be labelled “lazy” or “not serious” and may be sidelined by teachers.
It also alleged that some pupils could be denied class positions or participation in school activities, while others could receive lower marks as a way of pressuring their parents to pay for the extra classes.
Another concern raised by the organisation was that important topics could allegedly be taught during the additional classes, potentially putting pupils who are unable to attend at an academic disadvantage.
MMUN argued that such a situation could create an unfair environment where children from families who can afford the additional fees have an advantage over those who cannot.
It further raised concerns about the possible impact on the confidence of affected pupils, particularly children who may feel pressured or inferior because their parents cannot afford the payments.
The organisation said the alleged practices were inconsistent with the principles of Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE).
It also referred to the GES Code of Conduct, arguing that teachers should not charge pupils fees for teaching the official curriculum.
MMUN further described the matter as a child rights concern, particularly in relation to children’s right to rest, play and enjoy family life.
In its petition, the organisation called on the GES to take immediate action by issuing a nationwide directive against what it described as forced after-school classes and unauthorised fees in public basic schools.
It also called for investigations into headteachers and teachers found to be involved in the alleged practices and urged the GES to sanction those found culpable.
The organisation further requested that parents who have allegedly paid such fees be refunded.
It also called for the establishment of a reporting mechanism through which parents and pupils could report such practices without fear of victimisation.
“Education is a right, not a commodity. We trust GES will act to protect our children,” the petition stated.
The petition was copied to the Minister for Education, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education.
Nii Ayitey Anumle Oyanka, who signed the petition, is identified in the document as the West Africa Chairman of the Montessori Model United Nations and Chairman of the World Human Rights Association for West Africa.
