The Ghana Education Service (GES) has instructed heads of Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) to immediately cease imposing unauthorised charges on parents and guardians.
The directive follows reports that some school heads were demanding payments and forcing parents to buy items such as trunks, chop boxes, uniforms and cutlasses directly from their schools.
In a letter dated 18 September 2026, signed by Deputy Director‑General Prof. Smile Dzisi on behalf of the Director‑General, GES directed Regional Directors to ensure that all school heads comply with approved admission guidelines.
“Heads of Schools are directed to immediately desist from such practices and ensure strict compliance with approved guidelines on admission of students and student requirements,” the directive states.
GES warned that any head found imposing unauthorised charges or compelling parents to purchase items through the school will face severe administrative sanctions in accordance with GES regulations.
Regional Directors have been tasked with communicating the directive to all heads in their regions and ensuring compliance.
Parents and guardians are urged to report any irregular charges to their local GES office to protect their children’s education rights.
