The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed heads of senior high schools (SHSs) and senior high technical schools (SHTSs) to immediately stop collecting admission fees, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues and other unauthorised levies from students and their parents or guardians.
The directive follows reports received by the GES Management that some school heads are demanding various payments from parents and guardians, despite the government’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.
In a statement dated September 23, 2026, and signed by the Head of Public Relations at the GES, Daniel Fenyi, the Service expressed concern over the reported collections and cautioned heads of SHSs and SHTSs against continuing the practice.
The GES stressed that the charging and collection of unauthorised fees and levies are contrary to government policy on free education at the senior high school level.
It therefore directed that no student or parent/guardian should be compelled, directly or indirectly, to pay admission fees, PTA dues or any other unauthorised charges as a condition for admission, enrolment or participation in school activities.
The directive also covers access to services provided by schools.
“Management hereby strongly cautions all heads of SHS/SHTS to cease, with immediate effect, the collection of such unauthorised fees or levies from parents/guardians,” the statement said.
The GES said the directive is intended to ensure that the implementation of the Free SHS policy is not undermined by additional charges imposed at the school level.
The Service also addressed the issue of PTA dues, noting that the matter is currently before the courts.
According to the GES, discussions and collection of PTA dues and levies remain suspended until the court determines the matter.
It consequently reminded heads of schools that they should not resume or initiate the collection of PTA dues while the case remains pending.
The GES has further instructed school heads to refund any unauthorised fees and levies that may already have been collected from parents or guardians.
Heads are required to provide evidence of the refunds to the GES Management.
The directive places responsibility on school authorities not only to stop further collections but also to reverse payments that have already been made where the charges were unauthorised.
The GES warned that school heads or other persons who disregard the directive will face administrative action.
The Service said sanctions could include removal from office, depending on the circumstances of the breach.
“Any person(s) found to be flouting this directive will face the appropriate administrative sanctions, including removal from office,” the statement warned.
The warning signals a firm position by the GES on additional charges imposed on students and their families within the Free SHS system.
The GES has also appealed to members of the public, particularly parents and guardians, to report instances where schools demand unauthorised fees or levies.
Such reports, the Service said, would be investigated and the necessary action taken.
The directive is addressed to school heads and other relevant officials within the GES, with the Service urging directors, parents and other stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring compliance.
The GES said it appreciates the cooperation of stakeholders as it works to ensure adherence to the government’s policy on free senior high school education.
By 1960news.com
