GES investigates SHS heads accused of selling prospectus items to parents

The Ghana Education Service (GES) is investigating certain head teachers at senior high schools for allegedly selling items listed in the national harmonised prospectus to parents, according to a report by Mr Daniel Fenyi, the Public Relations Officer of the GES. The investigation began after some school heads were contacted and warned during the preliminary stage of the probe.

The GES is conducting background checks and engaging the heads before deciding on further administrative actions. The head teachers are accused of selling items such as clothing, footwear, toiletries, and school bags, which are also available on the open market. Mr Fenyi emphasized that the release of the prospectus did not grant heads the authority to sell the items and that parents should be allowed to purchase them from suppliers of their choice.

He also mentioned that the GES received complaints from parents regarding the higher prices of items sold by schools compared to those on the open market. The GES clarified that while a school head may choose to sell an item, parents should not be compelled to buy it from the school. The investigation comes amid concerns over the implementation of the 2026/2027 SHS admission requirements, following the release of the prospectus on September 3, 2026.

Some school heads, including those in the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), have raised concerns about delays in the supply of uniforms to some schools, with second-year students still using their first-year uniforms. The GES acknowledged these delays but emphasized that access to senior high school remains free and that heads should not demand money from students as a condition for accessing education.