The Ghana Education Service (GES) has initiated investigations into allegations that some senior high school heads are selling items listed in the national harmonized prospectus to parents. According to GES Public Relations Officer, Mr. Daniel Fenyi, some school heads have already been contacted and warned as part of the preliminary investigations. The GES is conducting background checks and engaging some heads before deciding on further administrative action.
The investigations follow concerns over the implementation of the 2026/2027 SHS admission requirements, which were released on September 3, 2026. The national harmonized prospectus lists essential items required by students entering public senior high schools and senior high technical schools. These items include clothing, footwear, toiletries, and school bags, as well as specified materials for school use. Mr. Fenyi emphasized that the release of the prospectus does not authorize school heads to sell the listed items to parents.
Mr. Fenyi clarified that most of the required items are available on the open market, and parents should be allowed to purchase them from suppliers of their choice. He noted that schools could specify requirements, such as the color of checks, shoes, or belts, but should not compel parents to buy the items from the schools. The GES received complaints from parents who claimed that some items sold by schools cost more than the same items on the open market.
The GES position follows a directive issued to heads of SHSs and SHTSs on September 18, 2026, after reports of unauthorized charges and compelled purchases of items such as trunks, chop boxes, uniforms, and cutlasses directly from the schools. Mr. Fenyi warned that if investigations establish that a head has turned the school into a commercial operation, the GES could take further action, including removal from office.
Mr. Fenyi stressed that access to senior high school remains free, and heads are not expected to demand money from students as a condition for accessing education. He emphasized that no child should be prevented from attending school because a parent cannot afford an item. The GES aims to prevent situations where a child remains at home due to financial difficulties.
Meanwhile, the National Vice-President of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), Togbe Foe Tsali, raised concerns over delays in supplying uniforms to some schools. He questioned the practicality and hygiene implications of students relying on a single check throughout the school week while waiting for government-provided uniforms. Togbe Foe Tsali called for uniforms to be supplied before students report to school.
The General Secretary of the National PTA Council, Mr. Raphael Kofi Gapson, called for stronger engagement among the GES, school authorities, and parents to prevent misunderstandings over admissions and requirements. The GES acknowledged delays in supplying uniforms, particularly for second-year students, and assured that supplies have begun. School heads are urged to work within the GES rules and not allow a child to remain out of school due to financial difficulties.
Key points
- GES investigates SHS heads selling prospectus items to parents.
- No child should be prevented from attending school due to financial difficulties.
- Uniform supply delays raise concerns among stakeholders.
