GES Orders SHS Heads to Stop Unauthorised Fees, Refund Parents

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has ordered heads of Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) to immediately stop collecting unauthorised fees and levies from parents and guardians.

The directive follows reports received by the Service that some school authorities were demanding admission fees, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues and other charges that have not been authorised.

In a statement dated September 23, 2026, and signed by the Head of Public Relations at the GES, Daniel Fenyi, management cautioned all heads of SHSs and SHTSs against continuing the practice.

“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 collection of such payments goes against the government’s Free Senior High School policy, stressing that students and their parents or guardians must not be compelled to make unauthorised payments as part of the admission or enrolment process.

According to the Service, no student or parent/guardian should be required, directly or indirectly, to pay admission fees, PTA dues or other unauthorised charges as a condition for admission, enrolment, participation in school activities or access to school services.

The GES also addressed the issue of PTA dues, explaining that the matter is currently before the courts. It said discussions and collection of PTA dues and levies should therefore remain suspended until the court reaches a determination.

School heads who have already collected unauthorised fees or levies have also been directed to refund the money to the affected parents and guardians and submit evidence of the refunds to GES management.

The Service warned that failure to comply with the directive could attract administrative sanctions, including removal from office.

It further urged parents and members of the public to report cases where schools continue to demand unauthorised fees or levies for investigation and the appropriate action.

The GES expressed appreciation to school heads, education directors, parents and other stakeholders for their cooperation in ensuring compliance with the directive.

By: Paulina Armah/Radio1.