Taxes are Suffocating Private Schools – Manager

Taxation has been identified as one of the major challenges facing the private sector, particularly private schools in the country.

In view of this, the government has been urged to take steps to either reduce taxes or grant exemptions for the private sector to flourish and create more jobs in the country, thereby reducing unemployment.

This is a call by the Manager of a renowned private school in Kumasi, known as Palmer International School, located at North Patasi in the Kumasi Metropolis, who spoke to Opemsuo News during the school’s 8th Graduation ceremony over the weekend.

Mr. Daniel Appiah says although the government is doing well, he believes it would be crucial for the government to take a careful look at the tax system and review it for a more favourable system.

“There are a lot of challenges; almost every year during our graduation, I mention the fact that taxation is suffocating the private sector. I know the government is doing its best, but I still think they need to reconsider the tax system and offer some exemptions and reliefs to the private sector,” he emphasized.

He believes a favourable tax system “will help expand the private sector to employ more people and reduce the rate of unemployment”.

According to Mr. Appiah, one major challenge that confronts private schools in Ghana is purchasing a standard vehicle to convey students to and from school.

“Today, it is very difficult for school owners to mobilize not less than 400,000 Cedis to buy a standard vehicle to convey students; in fact, it is not easy. So, if the government could provide some forms of exemptions or policy for private schools, I think it would really bring us some form of relief.”

He further called on parents to effectively play their role in the education of their wards, since schools and teachers cannot do it alone.

“Teachers are doing their best, but the rest depends on parents to complement the school’s efforts after the child returns home. It is important that parents take a keen interest in their children’s education. Sometimes, they should follow up at the schools and inquire about their children.”

Story by George Addo