GES orders school heads to stop collecting unauthorised fees, refund parents

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has mandated school leaders of Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools to immediately cease collecting unauthorized fees and levies from parents and guardians, according to a statement dated September 23, 2026. Head of Public Relations Daniel Fenyi highlighted concerns over reports of school leaders imposing admission fees, PTA dues, and other unauthorized charges on parents and guardians.

The directive emphasizes that such practices violate government policies on free education at the senior high school level.

School leaders are strongly cautioned to stop the collection of these unauthorized fees or levies immediately. GES clarified that charging and collecting such fees contravenes the government's free education policy, and no student or parent/guardian should be compelled to pay admission fees, PTA dues, or any other unauthorized fees as a condition for admission, enrolment, or participation in school activities.

Discussions regarding PTA dues are currently pending in court, and collections remain on hold until the case is resolved.

In response to the directive, GES urges all school leaders to refund any unauthorized fees and levies already collected and submit proof of the refunds to the management. Non-compliance with the directive could lead to administrative sanctions, potentially including removal from office. The public is encouraged to report instances of unauthorized fee collection for investigation and appropriate action.

The GES appreciates the cooperation of stakeholders, particularly school leaders, directors, and parents, in enforcing the directive.