The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced the dismissal of Rockson Kwame Tawiah, Headmaster of Kpassa Senior High Technical School in the Oti Region, after an investigation by the Ghana Education Service (GES) found him guilty of misconduct.
The announcement was made through an official statement on the Minister’s X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Unauthorized Levy on Students
According to the Education Ministry, Mr. Tawiah imposed an unauthorized GHC150 levy on each of the school’s 2,900 students, amounting to a total of GHC435,000. The levy was implemented without the approval of the school’s Board of Governors or Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).
“Following the unauthorized collection of GHC435,000 in student fines, the Headmaster of Kpassa Senior High Technical School, Rockson Kwame Tawiah, has been removed from his position. The GES committee found him culpable for imposing the levy without proper consultation,” – Statement from the Minister of Education.
Protests and Misuse Allegations
The incident triggered widespread anger among parents and students after reports revealed that the funds were allegedly collected to replace 27 missing ceiling fans, lamp holders, and bulbs.
However, investigations showed that the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the items were unclear, raising concerns of possible mismanagement or negligence.
Sources within the school confirmed that the Headmaster had compelled all 860 final-year students who sat for the 2025 WASSCE to pay the levy, warning that their results would be withheld if they refused to comply.
Government Response and Disciplinary Action
In response to the public backlash and the findings of the GES disciplinary committee, the Education Minister directed that Mr. Tawiah be removed from his position with immediate effect.
He has been ordered to report to the Oti Regional Directorate for reassignment. However, the statement clarified that his new posting may not be a headmaster role, and further disciplinary action could follow depending on ongoing reviews.
Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Accountability
Minister Haruna Iddrisu emphasized that the Ministry and GES are committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance within Ghana’s education sector.
“The Ministry will not tolerate any form of financial misconduct or abuse of authority in our schools. We are committed to protecting students and restoring public confidence in educational leadership,” – Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education.
Background
Kpassa Senior High Technical School, located in the Nkwanta-North District of the Oti Region, has been in the spotlight over administrative challenges and financial controversies in recent years.
The latest incident underscores growing concerns about financial irregularities in Ghanaian second-cycle institutions and the need for stricter oversight from education authorities.
