Free SHS: 'Any school found to be charging money under the guise of feeding fees is acting unlawfully' - GES

The Management of the Ghana Education Service has denied claims that schools have been authorised to charge students or parents any form of fees under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.

In a statement issued on May 7, the GES stressed that it “has not authorised or sanctioned any school to charge fees — under any name or in any form — from students or parents.”

The Service urged the public to disregard what it described as “unsubstantiated claims” being circulated by individuals seeking to misinform the public.

According to the GES, any school demanding money under the guise of feeding fees or other charges is acting unlawfully and without the approval of management.

“Any school found to be charging money under the guise of feeding fees, as alleged, is acting unlawfully and without the approval of Management,” the statement said.

The GES reaffirmed government’s commitment to sustaining and improving the Free SHS policy, insisting that the programme remains fully in force.

“Government’s commitment to not only maintain the Free SHS policy, but improve upon it, has not changed,” the statement added.

The Service further warned that any attempt to undermine the policy through misinformation or unauthorised fee collection would be treated seriously.

“Any attempt to undermine this policy — whether through the spread of false information or through clandestinely imposing fees on students — will be treated as an act contrary to national interest,” it noted.

The GES also advised students and parents who are asked to pay feeding fees or any unauthorised charges to report the matter directly to the Service for investigation and possible disciplinary action.