Bokankye (Ash), July 11, GNA - Mr. Eddy Obeng-Darko, Atwima-Nwabiagya District Director of Education, has reminded teachers that it was illegal and morally unacceptable for them to send away pupils who were unable to pay their school fees and levies towards extra classes.

He, therefore, cautioned teachers against the practice and warned that severe sanctions would be meted out to recalcitrant teachers.

Mr. Obeng-Darko gave the warning at a meeting with the Bokankye Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) executives on Friday to resolve an impasse between the teachers and the community.

In a petition to the District Director of Education, jointly signed by Reverend George Adubofour, the PTA chairman, Mr Emmanuel Kwabena Onyina, the organiser, Madam Mary Donkor, the treasurer and other community stakeholders, they accused the teachers of illegal collection of levies and fees, poor school attendance and disrespect for some community members.

The petition, therefore, recommended for the mass transfer of the primary school teachers.

Mr Obeng-Darko said the teachers were among the privileged few to be posted to a semi-urban area and should therefore justify the privilege by exhibiting a high professional discipline and commitment. Mr. Baffour Asare-Bediako, an Assistant Director of Education at the directorate, called for a closer cordial relationship between the school and the community.

Partnership in education development, he said, is crucial for the improvement of quality teaching and learning.

Mr Asare-Bediako noted that the provision of quality education could fully be achieved and sustained if community stakeholders contributed immensely towards its advancement and advised the PTA to motivate the teachers.

Rev. Adubofour said the local junior secondary school persistent poor Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results necessitated the introduction of the extra study classes but regretted that the activities of the primary school teachers were undermining the objective.

He, however, conceded that teachers were vital component for the effective provision of quality education and that the community would assist and encourage them to perform satisfactorily.