The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed all heads of Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) to immediately halt the collection of unauthorised fees and levies from parents and guardians.
The directive follows concern from the management of the service regarding reports that certain school heads are charging admission fees, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues, and other unapproved levies.
In an official statement, the GES strongly cautioned heads to cease the practice with immediate effect, emphasizing that charging such fees violates the established free senior high school policy.
“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 statement warned.
Addressing the issue of PTA contributions, the Service reminded school administrators that the matter remains subject to ongoing legal proceedings.
“Management reminds all heads that the matter of collection of PTA dues is pending at the courts, and until the matter is determined by the courts, discussions and collection of PTA dues and levies are still on hold,” the release noted.
Furthermore, the GES instructed all school heads who have already collected unapproved monies to refund them to parents and submit proof of the refunds to management.
The Service cautioned that failure to comply with the order would attract strict disciplinary action.
“Any person(s) found to be flouting this directive will face the appropriate administrative sanctions, including removal from office,” the statement cautioned.
Members of the public have been urged to report instances of illegal fee collection to the management of the GES for immediate investigation. The statement, signed by the Head of Public Relations at the GES, Daniel Fenyi, concluded by expressing appreciation to stakeholders, including school heads, directors, and parents, for their cooperation.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
