The Ghana Education Service (GES) has warned heads of Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools (SHS/SHTS) to stop charging unauthorised fees, or face sanctions including removal from office.
In a statement issued on 23rd September, 2026, and signed by the Head of Public Relations, Daniel Fenyi, GES said it had received disturbing reports that some heads were collecting admission fees, PTA dues and other unapproved levies from parents and guardians.
Management has, therefore, directed all heads to cease the practice with immediate effect and to refund all unauthorised fees already collected, with evidence of the refund to be presented to GES Management.
The Service stressed that charging such fees violated government’s Free SHS policy, adding that no student or parent should be compelled directly or indirectly to pay any unauthorised fee as a condition for admission, enrolment, or participation in school activities.
On PTA dues, Management clarified that the matter was still before the courts, and until a determination was made, all discussions and collection of PTA dues remained suspended.
GES urged the general public to report any such illegal collections for prompt investigation and action, and thanked stakeholders, particularly school heads, directors and parents, for their cooperation.
Source: Kelvin Frimpong/Media Without Borders/mwbonline.org/Ghana West Africa
