Bechem Technical Institute Principal in Hot Water Over Alleged Missing GHS 111,550.00 PTA Funds as Staff and PTA Call for Immediate Transfer or Interdiction
Warm greetings, Sir/Madam.We hope this letter (petition) finds you well. We, the concerned teachers of Bechem Technical Institute (BTI), wish to draw your attention to egregious delinquency and wrongdoings occurring in our school, which, if not addressed immediately, could affect its growth.
We, the undersigned members of staff (17 out of 30), submit this collective petition pursuant to the Ghana TVET Service Code of Conduct and Public Service Regulations to formally report grave acts of financial impropriety, abuse of office, and deliberate misrepresentation of official data by the current Principal, Mr. Jones Adu Twum.
Mr Emmanuel Nyarko Akyena Addressing the media
Allegations against the Principal
1. Falsification of Student Enrolment Data
The Principal has allegedly inflated student enrolment figures submitted to the Ghana Education Service. The actual Form One population for the current academic year is slightly over 300 students, yet official records falsely declare 569 students. This appears to be calculated to attract excess government funding, resulting in financial loss to the state. Such actions constitute gross misconduct, falsification of official records, and a breach of public trust.
2. Unauthorized Diversion of Government Food Supplies
Government-supplied food items allocated to BTI were reportedly stored in another institution, Bechem Technical School for the Deaf, without written authorization. This diversion raises serious concerns regarding the quantity, usage, and accountability of the items, while eliminating institutional oversight and creating an environment conducive to pilfering or misappropriation.
3. Leadership Misalignment
Technical Institutes are expected to be headed by Principals with strong technical or vocational backgrounds to provide academic leadership, oversee workshops, and drive industry-aligned development. The current Principal, with a background in Accounting, lacks the required technical expertise. This misalignment has negatively affected strategic planning, supervision of technical departments, prioritization of infrastructure, and overall institutional growth.
4. Vindictive Staff Transfers
The Principal has reportedly attempted to transfer almost all experienced teachers to avoid opposition. Teachers handling critical courses such as Electricals and Auto Mechanics have been moved, leaving Welding, Fabrication, and Plumbing students without teachers for the past three years.
5. Mismanagement of PTA Funds
The Principal has allegedly engaged in unauthorized collection, use, and retention of PTA funds under the guise of school development, failing to provide audited financial statements despite repeated requests. Funds collected from the current Form One students, amounting to GHS 111,550.00, remain unaccounted for. The Regional Director is said to have shielded the Principal from accountability and failed to release the audit report conducted by the Regional Office.
6. Selective Management Practices
The Principal reportedly engages selectively with staff, favoring those “in his good books” while sidelining others, adversely affecting school administration.
7. Misappropriation of Government Feeding Funds
Teachers and students have allegedly observed insufficient food releases to the kitchen, suggesting that government-provided feeding funds are being misappropriated, undermining the government’s “Reset Agenda.”
8. Wasteful Expenditure
The Principal is accused of wasting limited school resources on misplaced projects for personal gain.
9. Unauthorized Admissions and Fee Collection
Allegedly, the Principal has turned the school into a remedial institution, admitting students merely to take final exams and collecting large fees outside official school accounts, contradicting the government’s “Free TVET” policy.
10. Neglect of Student Security
Students have reportedly been forced to sleep outside designated dormitories and in classrooms at night, exposing them to harsh weather and unsafe conditions.
The continued presence of the Principal in office poses a direct threat to a fair and independent investigation. His control over records, finances, and administrative processes compromises evidence preservation and intimidates staff who may testify. This situation has created fear, mistrust, and low morale among staff, negatively affecting teaching, learning, and overall school administration.
Demands
In view of the foregoing, we formally demand the immediate interdiction or transfer of the Principal to enable an independent investigation into:
Falsification of enrolment data and resultant financial implications.
Collection, use, and accountability of all funds since he assumed office.
Unfair transfers of staff who share divergent views or opinions.
Circumstances surrounding the undisclosed audit report and the role of the Regional Director.
Mr Daniel Obeng PTA Chairman -BTI
We further request that the audit report be released to relevant stakeholders and that any misappropriated funds be recovered in accordance with the law. Failure to act decisively on this matter will erode staff confidence in the Ghana Education Service and signal tolerance for financial misconduct and abuse of authority.
The Vice Principal (Administration), Mr. Mark Bafor (0246157528), is willing to assist and provide evidence in the investigation. Attached are the names, phone numbers, and signatures of all concerned teachers in support of this petition.
We trust that your office will take immediate and decisive action in the interest of accountability, transparency, and the protection of public resources.
