The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed all heads of second cycle schools to refund unauthorised fees and levies collected from parents before enrolling fresh students. This move is aimed at upholding the principles of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which seeks to remove financial barriers to senior secondary education. The GES stressed that collecting unauthorised fees is inconsistent with the policy's objectives.
According to Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, Director-General of the GES, any head of school who collected money from students or their parents without proper authorisation must refund them with immediate effect. He warned that heads of schools who allow third parties to collect money within school premises will be punished severely. The GES received reports of widespread complaints about heads of senior high schools demanding items and PTA levies before enrolment.
The Free SHS policy was introduced to ensure that no child is denied access to education at the senior high school level due to financial constraints. Prof Davis emphasised that any conduct by a school head that undermines this objective will not be tolerated. He encouraged parents and guardians who encounter such demands to report them to the GES at the district, regional or headquarters level.
The GES management cautioned heads of schools to cease collecting unauthorised fees or levies from parents and guardians, citing that such practices are contrary to the government's policy on free education. Prof Davis commended stakeholders who contributed to the progress made so far, particularly teachers and school heads, and expressed commitment to maintaining a stable and predictable academic calendar.
For the first time in approximately six years, students across various education levels have reported to school within the month of September. Prof Davis attributed this achievement to hard work and synchronised planning, which allows parents and stakeholders to plan effectively. The GES aims to protect the gains made and ensure future academic years begin and proceed according to a predictable calendar.
Regarding the pre-tertiary teacher unions' declaration of a strike, the GES associated itself with the Ministry of Education's appeal to teachers to rescind their decision. Prof Davis stated that the GES worked hard to mechanise promotions of teachers last year and is committed to delivering this year as well. The GES is working to address the issues raised by the teacher unions.
The GES is committed to upholding the Free SHS policy and ensuring that all students have access to quality education without financial burdens. The service will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary actions to prevent unauthorised fee collection. Parents and guardians are encouraged to report any incidents to the GES.
Key points
- The GES has directed school heads to refund unauthorised fees collected from parents.
- The Free SHS policy aims to remove financial barriers to senior secondary education.
- The GES is committed to maintaining a stable and predictable academic calendar.
