The Ghanaian Chronicle newspaper has called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to definitively address school schemes involving children collecting money from the public. This intervention follows a report on ALMS Preparatory School’s “Icon Contest,” where pupils solicit funds from relatives and the public to win free school fees.
This initiative, defended by Headmaster Mr. Waisu Issaka as voluntary and aimed at helping students, is deemed deeply flawed by the newspaper. The Chronicle argues that children should learn in classrooms, not act as fundraisers. The practice contradicts efforts to discourage begging and raises significant child protection issues, given children’s vulnerability when approaching strangers.
This situation fits into a broader national discussion about child welfare and educational equity in Ghana. Organisations like UNICEF consistently highlight the need to safeguard Ghanaian children from exploitation and harm. The Beggars and Destitute Act of 1969 (NLCD 392) already criminalises begging, reflecting a societal stance against sending individuals to solicit money. The newspaper stresses that schools should lead protective efforts, not expose children to potential risks.
The Chronicle emphasizes, “The GES cannot afford to remain silent.” It urges the GES to clarify its stance on schools sending pupils to solicit money. If no guidelines exist, the publication insists that the GES must develop them immediately. This would ensure child welfare and safety remain central to all educational policies and programmes.
The practice also creates unfair advantages, impacting educational access. Students from wealthier families with larger social networks can collect more money. This undermines the principle that academic success should stem from effort and talent, not financial connections. A contest designed to aid needy pupils ironically benefits those with greater financial access.
The argument that “other schools do it” does not justify the practice, according to The Chronicle. Harmful practices do not become acceptable simply because they are widespread. The GES must ensure that common practices align with ethical standards and child protection principles.
Decision-makers should now provide clear directives to all schools across Ghana. The GES faces pressure to establish robust guidelines that prevent the exploitation of children for fundraising. The education system needs to adopt alternative, adult-led fundraising strategies, such as scholarship schemes or corporate partnerships. These would support struggling learners without compromising the safety and dignity of children. Failure to act could perpetuate an environment where vulnerable children are exposed to unnecessary risks and educational inequality persists.