The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Nsutam Senior High Technical School (NSUTECH) near Linda Dor in the Eastern Region is embroiled in controversy following allegations that the headmistress, Theresa Wiredu-Darkwa has unilaterally selected new PTA executives without the knowledge or involvement of the current leadership and parents.
This move has sparked outrage among parents and the incumbent PTA executives, who argue that the selection of new leadership should be a democratic process involving parents, not a decision imposed by the school administration.
The current PTA executives have been instrumental in transforming the school, implementing numerous projects that have significantly improved students’ welfare and academic performance.
Their efforts contributed to NSUTECH achieving remarkable results in the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for the first time in the school’s history.
Despite these achievements, reports indicate that the headmistress, allegedly driven by personal interests, has sidelined the current executives and handpicked new leaders from among parents of 2nd and 3rd-year students.
Critics argue that this action is aimed at exerting control over PTA funds and decision-making processes.
Further information available indicates that the headmistress has gone to the extent of calling for a PTA general meeting on March 1, 2025, allegedly to solidify her decision to impose new leadership.
This move has heightened tensions, as many parents and current executives see it as an attempt to legitimize an undemocratic process.
Concerned parents insist that any leadership transition must be conducted through a transparent election involving all parents and facilitated by the current executives, not dictated by the Headmistress.
They are calling on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to intervene to restore fairness and ensure that the PTA remains independent.
Outstanding Achievements of the Current PTA Executives
The current PTA leadership has undertaken several initiatives that have directly benefited students and the school community, including:
1. Erecting a new school signpost
2. Rewiring the Headmistress’ bungalow
3. Fixing 13 ceiling fans in classrooms
4. Tiling the Assistant Administration office
5. Purchasing three control boards for the school’s water supply
6. Funding a Super Mock exam to prepare students for WASSCE
7. Constructing an open bathroom for female students
8. Rewiring six classrooms to improve lighting and safety
9. Installing a school siren
10. Painting seven classrooms
11. Constructing a urinal for both boys and girls
12. Purchasing a 10,000-liter PolyTank for the girls’ dormitory
13. Providing food items to support the school’s feeding program
14. Constructing a staff KVIP toilet, currently underway
15. Printing over 2,000-semester report sheets for students
16. Purchasing electrical equipment for the school kitchen
These initiatives have played a crucial role in improving both academic and living conditions for students, leading to a historic performance in the 2024 WASSCE.
Headmistress’ Alleged Interference and Its Implications
The PTA is an independent body mandated to advocate for students’ welfare, collaborate with school authorities, mobilize resources, and ensure transparency in school affairs.
Leadership selection is meant to be a democratic process led by parents, not school administrators.
By allegedly appointing new executives without following due process, the Headmistress is seen as overstepping her role and undermining the PTA’s autonomy. Some parents believe her involvement is motivated by a desire to control PTA funds and influence decision-making, rather than allowing an independent and transparent leadership structure.
The current PTA executives, along with concerned parents, are calling for the immediate reversal of this unilateral appointment and the organization of a proper election to determine the next leadership.
They insist that any transition of leadership must be done through a democratic process, followed by an official handing-over ceremony.
As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders are urging the Ghana Education Service (GES) and other relevant authorities to intervene to uphold the independence of the PTA and ensure that due process is followed in leadership transitions.
Meanwhile, she had scheduled an emergency meeting:
Emergency PTA meeting notice
An emergency PTA meeting has been scheduled for Saturday, 22nd February 2025, at exactly 10:00 AM.
Notably, this meeting was called by the headmistress without the knowledge or approval of the PTA Chairman and Executives.
This raises concerns, especially as she has previously denied any interference in PTA affairs.
In the meantime, watch as John Jinapor recounts ordeal after leaving office in 2017