The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed heads of senior high schools and senior high technical schools to immediately stop collecting unauthorised fees and levies. The directive, signed by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations, follows reports that some school heads were collecting admission fees, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues, and other unauthorised charges from parents and guardians. This move aims to enforce the government's free senior high school education policy.
The GES has ordered schools to refund any unauthorised payments already collected from parents and guardians. Heads who breach the directive could face sanctions, including removal from office. The Service stressed that no student or parent should be required to pay such fees as a condition for admission, enrolment, or participation in school activities. The GES also clarified that the collection of unauthorised fees goes against the government's free senior high school education policy.
The directive, dated September 23, 2026, cautions heads of SHS and SHTS against continuing the practice of collecting unauthorised fees. The GES urged school heads to provide evidence of refunds for any unauthorised fees already collected. The Service also reminded heads that the matter of collecting PTA dues is pending in court, and discussions and collection of PTA dues and levies are still on hold until the matter is determined.
The GES emphasised that no student or parent/guardian should be compelled, directly or indirectly, to pay admission fees, PTA dues, or any other unauthorised fees as a condition for admission, enrolment, and participation in school activities or access to school services. The Service further directed school heads to refund any unauthorised fees and levies already collected from parents and provide evidence of the refunds to management.
Heads who fail to comply with the directive could face administrative sanctions, including removal from office. The GES warned that any person(s) found to be flouting this directive will face the appropriate administrative sanctions. The Service also urged parents and members of the public to report cases of unauthorised fee or levy collection for investigation and appropriate action.
The Ghana Education Service is taking steps to ensure that the free senior high school education policy is enforced. The Service is committed to providing quality education to all students, regardless of their financial background. The GES also encouraged school heads to work with parents and guardians to find alternative ways to support the education of students.
The directive has been welcomed by parents and guardians, who have expressed relief that their wards will no longer be burdened with unauthorised fees. The GES's move is expected to promote equity and equality in the education sector. The Service will continue to monitor the situation and take action against any school head who fails to comply with the directive.
Key points
- The GES has directed SHS heads to stop collecting unauthorised fees and refund money already collected.
- Heads who breach the directive could face sanctions, including removal from office.
- The directive aims to enforce the government's free senior high school education policy.
