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

The Ghana Education Service has directed SHS/SHTS heads to stop collecting unauthorised fees and refund any already taken, warning of sanctions for defaulters. The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed heads of Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools (SHS/SHTS) to stop, with immediate effect, the collection of unauthorised fees and levies from parents and guardians. In a statement dated 23 September 2026, signed by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations at GES, management said it had received, with concern, reports that some school heads were collecting admission fees, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues, and other unauthorised charges from parents and guardians. "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 statement said. GES reminded school heads that charging and collecting unauthorised fees and levies contravenes government policy on free education at the senior high school level. 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, or participation in school activities or access to school services, the statement said. On PTA dues specifgesically, GES said the matter is pending before the courts and that discussions and collection of PTA dues and levies remain on hold until the case is determined. GES further directed all school heads to refund any unauthorised fees and levies already collected and to submit evidence of the refunds to management. It warned that anyone found flouting the directive would face administrative sanctions, including removal from office, and urged the public to report instances of unauthorised fee collection for investigation and the necessary action. Management said it appreciated the cooperation of stakeholders, particularly school heads, directors, and parents, in enforcing the directive. *Source: [3News](https://3news.com/education/ges-orders-school-heads-to-stop-collecting-unauthorised-fees-refund-parents)*