GES denies cancellation of Free SHS, warns public against GH¢1,500 payment scam

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has denied claims that the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy has been cancelled and parents are being asked to pay GH¢1,500 for basic items like chop boxes and trunks. A statement released on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, stated that the claim circulating on social media is false and urged the public to disregard it.

The GES emphasized that the Free SHS policy remains intact and that the Director-General has not issued any directive for parents or guardians to make payments for such items. They further clarified that the Director-General does not have the power to cancel the Free SHS policy. The Service warned the public against making payments to individuals based on the false publication and advised parents and guardians to rely only on official information from the GES's authorized channels.

The GES also called on the public and media to stop creating, publishing, or spreading false information that could cause unnecessary anxiety and confusion. This clarification comes as preparations are underway for the new academic year, with the GES stressing that any official information regarding Free SHS and related requirements will be communicated through their authorized channels.