GES orders SHS heads to refund unauthorised fees collected from parents

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has warned heads of Senior High and Senior High Technical Schools against collecting unauthorised fees and levies from parents and guardians. The warning comes after the Service received reports that some school heads were collecting admission fees, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues and other charges from parents. In a statement dated September 23, 2026, GES directed all SHS and SHTS heads to stop the practice with immediate effect.

The release was signed by the Head of Public Relations at GES, Daniel Fenyi. It said the collection of such fees is contrary to the government’s free Senior High School policy. GES stressed that no student or parent should be forced to pay admission fees, PTA dues or any other unauthorised charges as a condition for admission, enrolment, participation in school activities or access to school services.

The Service has also directed schools that have already collected such fees to refund the money and provide evidence of the refunds to GES management. GES further reminded school heads that discussions and collection of PTA dues and levies remain on hold, as the matter is currently before the courts. It warned that school heads who fail to comply with the directive will face administrative sanctions, including removal from office.

Parents and members of the public have meanwhile been encouraged to report cases of unauthorised fee collection to GES for investigation and the necessary action. The Ghana Education Service (GES) has ordered heads of senior high and technical schools to stop collecting unauthorised fees and refund any money already taken from parents and guardians. In a statement dated 23rd September 2026, the GES said it had received reports that some schools were demanding admission fees, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues and other charges despite the government’s free senior high school policy.

The Service said payment must not be made a condition for a student’s admission, enrolment, participation in school activities or access to school services. School heads who have collected unauthorised fees have been directed to return the money and provide management with evidence of the refunds. Those who disregard the directive risk administrative sanctions, including removal from office.

The GES also said the collection of PTA dues remains suspended while a related case is before the courts. It encouraged parents and members of the public to report any demands for unauthorised payments so they can be investigated.