T.I. Ahmadiyya Headmaster Clarifies Position on Free SHS Fees Amidst False Allegations

The headmaster of T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School in Kumasi, Mr. Abdallah Ayyub, has issued a strong denial of a news report on newsplacegh.com alleging that he instructed parents to pay fees under the Free SHS program. Mr. Ayyub stated that while he attended a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting on December 15th, 2024, he only introduced himself and his staff, gave a brief school report praising the Free SHS policy, and appealed for support with classroom furniture.

He emphasizes he never mentioned any fees and left before any financial discussions occurred. He asserts that no student at the school has paid any fees and challenges the publication to provide evidence. Mr. Ayyub considers the report an attempt to damage his reputation.

Meanwhile, a follow up investigation by this portal has revealed that it was rather some parents who made such proposals without the headmaster’s knowledge. It is further alleged that the suggestions which were merely made by some few parents have not been officially implemented.

 A follow-up investigation by the same portal (newspalacegh.com) revealed that some parents, without the headmaster’s knowledge, rather proposed a contribution in support of the school

Read the headmaster’s full statement;

REJOINDER: T. I. AHMADIYYA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, KUMASI HEADMASTER DENIES FREE SHS FEE ALLEGATIONS

My attention has been drawn to a news publication on newsplacegh.com alleging that fees are being charged at T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School under the Free SHS program.

I wish to state emphatically and unequivocally that this publication is completely false. While a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting did take place on Sunday, December 15th, 2024, I never asked parents to pay school fees of GH¢500.00 in addition to other charges totaling approximately GH¢700.00. This is entirely contrary to the Free SHS policy, which I, as Headmaster, would never defy.

I was invited by the PTA executives to introduce myself and the school management to new parents and provide a brief school report. I arrived after the meeting had begun. My presentation focused on introducing myself and the school, commending the government for the Free SHS policy, acknowledging the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission’s role in establishing the school, and praising the PTA’s support. I concluded by appealing for assistance with classroom furniture and academic resources. I then left the meeting.

Therefore, I was not involved in any subsequent discussions regarding fees. No student has ever been asked to pay school fees at this school under the Free SHS program.

The Form One students currently enrolled have paid nothing in terms of school fees, PTA dues, or other charges. I personally addressed the students at assembly, confirming that their education is free under the Free SHS policy. We have strictly ensured compliance with this policy.

The mention of Mr. Seth Terkper, the former Finance Minister, in the publication is entirely inaccurate; he was never mentioned in my report, nor have I heard him comment on the Free SHS. This publication is a baseless attempt to damage my reputation. I challenge the authors to provide verifiable evidence to support their allegations. The minutes of the PTA meeting and attendance sheets will confirm my account. These records will allow for the contact of parents present, who can corroborate my statement.

I am confident that the truth will prevail.

SIGNED

ABDULLAH AYYUB

(Headmaster, T. I. Ahmadiyya SHS)