The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed heads of senior high schools (SHS) and senior high technical schools (SHTS) to immediately stop collecting unauthorised fees and levies from students, parents and guardians.
The directive follows reports received by the GES that some school heads were collecting admission fees, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues and other unauthorised charges.
In a statement dated Wednesday, September 23, 2026, the GES Management cautioned all heads of SHS/SHTS to discontinue the practice with immediate effect.
“Management hereby strongly cautions all heads of SHS/SHTS to cease, with immediate effect, the collection of such unauthorised fees or levies from parents/guardians.”
The Service said the collection of such charges is contrary to the government’s free education policy at the senior high school level.
It stressed that no student or parent should be compelled to make such payments as a condition for admission, enrolment, participation in school activities or access to school services.
“No student or parent/guardian should be compelled, directly or indirectly, to pay admission fees, PTA dues or any other unauthorised fees as a condition for admission, enrolment, and participation in school activities or access to school services.”
The GES also directed school heads who have already collected such fees or levies to refund the money and provide evidence of the refunds to Management.
The Service noted that the issue of PTA dues is currently pending before the courts and, until the matter is determined, discussions and collection of PTA dues remain on hold.
The GES warned that any school head or other person who disregards the directive will face administrative sanctions.
“Any person(s) found to be flouting this directive will face the appropriate administrative sanctions, including removal from office.”
The Service has meanwhile urged parents, guardians and members of the public to report cases of unauthorised fees or levies to Management for investigation and the necessary action.
The directive comes as the GES reiterates its position that students should not be denied admission, school participation or access to services because of payments that have not been authorised.
