Ghana Education Service Denies Approving Unauthorised School Fees

Key facts

• Ghana Education Service (GES) denies authorising any school to charge feeding fees.
• GES issued a statement on May 6, 2026, addressing fee collection concerns.
• Schools charging unauthorised fees are acting unlawfully.
• The Free Senior High School (SHS) policy remains a government commitment.
• instances of unauthorised fee collection.
• Misinformation and unauthorised fees are considered contrary to national interest.

GES Issues Strong Rebuke Over Alleged Fee Collections

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has unequivocally denied authorising or sanctioning any educational institution to levy feeding fees or any other unauthorised charges on students and parents. In a formal statement released on May 6, 2026, the suggesting such approvals were misleading and unsubstantiated. This firm stance comes amid escalating public discourse concerning alleged fee collections within some senior high schools across the nation. The GES underscored that any school found to be collecting money under the guise of feeding fees, or any other pretext, is operating unlawfully and without management's consent. The Service warned that actions aimed at undermining the integrity of educational policies, whether through the dissemination of false information or the clandestine imposition of fees, would be regarded as acts detrimental to the national interest. Parents and students facing demands for feeding fees or other unauthorised payments are strongly advised to report these incidents directly to the GES management. The Service has pledged to investigate all such claims promptly and to implement appropriate sanctions where necessary.

Reaffirmation of Free SHS Policy Amidst Concerns

The Ghana Education Service used the occasion to reaffirm the government's steadfast commitment to the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. This flagship initiative, designed to eliminate financial barriers to secondary education, is not only being sustained but also targeted for further enhancement. The policy's core objective remains ensuring that all eligible students can access quality secondary education without facing prohibitive costs. Reports of some senior high schools allegedly charging feeding fees have cast a shadow over the policy's implementation, prompting the GES's forceful clarification. The Service reiterated that the government's dedication to maintaining and improving the Free SHS policy remains unchanged. This commitment is central to ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all Ghanaian youth. Authorities stressed that the government is actively working to uphold the policy's integrity and effectiveness. Efforts are continuously being made to not only sustain the Free SHS initiative but also to bolster its operational framework and overall impact on the student population.

Disregard Misleading Claims, GES Urges Public

The GES has urged the public to disregard any claims suggesting that schools have received approval to impose additional charges, particularly for feeding. The Service explicitly stated on Wednesday, May 6, that it has not authorised or sanctioned any school to charge fees in any form from students or parents. This clarification serves to counter misinformation that may be circulating and causing confusion among stakeholders. By issuing this statement, the GES aims to preempt any further spread of unsubstantiated reports that could erode public trust in the educational system and its policies. The Service views the deliberate spread of false information as a serious matter that could potentially destabilise the smooth running of educational institutions. The Service's directive, shared widely, reinforces its role as the primary custodian of educational policy implementation and oversight. It underscores the importance of accurate information dissemination and adherence to established guidelines within the education sector.

Unlawful Practices and Consequences for Schools

Any educational institution found to be charging fees without the explicit authorisation of the Ghana Education Service will be considered to be acting unlawfully. The GES has made it clear that such practices are not in line with the directives issued by the management. This warning is directed at all schools operating under the purview of the Service. The statement emphasized that the government's commitment to the Free SHS policy is unwavering, and any attempt to circumvent it through unauthorised fee collection will be met with strict enforcement. The Service views these actions as a direct challenge to national educational objectives and a betrayal of the trust placed in these institutions. Sanctions will be applied to schools found guilty of these infractions. The GES is committed to ensuring that the Free SHS policy remains accessible and free from undue financial burdens for all students and their families, thereby upholding the principle of equal opportunity in education.

Reporting Mechanisms for Unauthorised Charges

To facilitate the swift resolution of issues concerning unauthorised fee collections, the Ghana Education Service has provided clear channels for reporting. Parents and students who are asked to pay feeding fees or any other unapproved charges are encouraged to report these incidents directly to the GES management. This ensures that all allegations are formally documented and addressed. The Service has pledged to conduct thorough investigations into all reported cases. This process is crucial for verifying the claims and taking the necessary disciplinary actions against any offending institutions. The goal is to maintain transparency and accountability within the education system. By empowering parents and students to act as watchdogs, the GES seeks to create a more robust system of checks and balances. This collaborative approach is vital for safeguarding the integrity of the Free SHS policy and ensuring it benefits all intended recipients without financial impediments.

The bottom line

• The Ghana Education Service has explicitly denied authorising any school to collect feeding fees or other unauthorised charges.
• Schools charging unapproved fees are acting unlawfully and without the GES's sanction.
• The government remains committed to sustaining and improving the Free Senior High School policy.
• any instances of unauthorised fee collection to the GES.
• Actions undermining the Free SHS policy through misinformation or fee imposition are considered contrary to national interest.
• The GES is investigating alleged fee collections and will apply sanctions where necessary.