GES Directs SHS Heads to Refund Unauthorised Fees
Service warns school heads against charging parents and students illegal fees
- Unauthorised fees must be refunded
- PTA dues remain suspended
- Defaulters face sanctions
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed 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 that some school authorities were collecting admission fees, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues and other charges despite the government’s Free Senior High School policy.
In a statement dated September 23, 2026, the GES said no student or parent should be compelled, directly or indirectly, to pay unauthorised fees as a condition for admission, enrolment, participation in school activities or access to school services.
The Service cautioned all heads of SHSs and SHTSs to immediately cease the collection of such fees and levies.
Refunds ordered
The GES has also directed heads of schools to refund any unauthorised fees or levies already collected from parents and guardians.
School authorities have been instructed to submit evidence of the refunds to GES management.
The Service warned that heads who fail to comply with the directive could face administrative sanctions, including removal from office.
PTA dues remain suspended
The GES further clarified that the collection of PTA dues remains suspended pending the determination of a case currently before the courts.
The Service urged parents and members of the public to report any instances of unauthorised fee collection to the GES for investigation and appropriate action.
The directive is intended to ensure that students and parents are not subjected to unauthorised financial demands in accessing services covered under the Free SHS policy.
