Volmeng David, the Upper East Regional PTA Secretary, has issued a stern warning to PTA executives across the country, reminding them that the days of treating association funds as “free money” are over.
Speaking on A1 Radio’s “Teachers’ Caucus,” Mr. Volmeng detailed the rigorous constitutional processes governing PTA funds, emphasizing that any executive found misappropriating contributions will face both internal sanctions and potential prosecution.
According to him, the National Council of PTA, the highest decision-making body, has established a strict protocol for handling finances. He highlighted several “non-negotiable” rules for school-based PTAs, which include that every PTA must operate an official account with a well-established bank. He added that all collected monies must be deposited into the official account within 24 hours.
“It is a crime to collect money and spend it without banking it first. No expenditure can occur without a formal memo raised by the Treasurer and approved by the Chairman,” he stated.
Mr. Volmeng revealed that the PTA structure includes multiple layers of auditing to ensure total accountability. If a school-based PTA lacks internal auditing expertise, it is mandated by the constitution to hire private firms under Act 179, Section 134 of the Companies Code (1963).
“Some people think PTA money is just free money. No. If you are not ready to refund misappropriated funds, the next step is a report to law enforcement bodies.”
He cited a past encounter at Zamse Senior High/Technical School, where financial issues necessitated a recovery process to ensure parents’ contributions were returned to the rightful coffers.
The Secretary encouraged parents to be “vibrant” and assertive of their rights. He noted that the success of projects such as the wiring and securing of lights of St. Theresa’s KG/Primary School depends entirely on transparent leadership.
He urged parents to demand accountability at every Annual General Meeting (AGM).
“The audited account report shall be presented at an AGM for discussion and acceptance,” he noted. “If any school is not doing this, it is now left to the stakeholders to insist that the right thing should be done.”
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Solomon Agame
