Anum Apapam (E/R), June 10, GNA - Mr Stephen Bekoe, Opinion Leader for Anum Apapam North Electoral Area in the Eastern Region, on Thursday cautioned school authorities against the collection of illegal fees from pupils.

He said despite the policy of fee-free tuition at the basic schools, some educational institutions charged levies to raise funds for renovation of structures and other activities.

Mr Bekoe who was addressing some school heads at Obuoho near Anum Apapam in the Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar District said the practised deterred some parents, particularly those from poor farming communities from sending their children to school.

He noted that some school authorities under the cover of Parent-Teacher Associations, charged levies contrary to government directives.

The opinion leader advised parents to provide their children with basic educational needs such as pencils, pens, school uniforms, bags and exercise books and should not hide behind the Capitation Grant to shirk their responsibilities.