GES orders SHS heads to stop unauthorised fee collection
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed heads of Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) to immediately stop collecting unauthorised fees and levies from parents and guardians.
In a statement dated September 23, 2026, and signed by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations at GES, management said it had received reports of some school heads demanding admission fees, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues and other unauthorised charges.
GES cautioned all heads of SHS/SHTS to cease the collection of such fees with immediate effect.
The Service reminded school authorities that the collection of unauthorised fees and levies violates the government’s Free SHS policy.
It stressed that no student or parent or guardian should be compelled, either directly or indirectly, to pay admission fees, PTA dues or other unauthorised charges as a requirement for admission, enrolment, participation in school activities or access to school services.
On PTA dues, GES explained that the matter is currently before the courts, and therefore discussions and collection of PTA dues and related levies are to remain suspended until the case is determined.
GES has also directed school heads who have already collected unauthorised fees or levies to refund the money and submit evidence of the refunds to management.
The Service warned that school heads who violate the directive could face administrative sanctions, including removal from office.
It further encouraged members of the public to report cases of unauthorised fee collection to the appropriate authorities for investigation and necessary action.
GES expressed appreciation to school heads, directors, parents and other stakeholders for their cooperation in enforcing the directive.
By Esther Padmore Amonoo
