The Ghana Education Service (GES) has warned heads of senior high and technical high schools against forcing students or their parents to pay admission fees, PTA dues or other unauthorised charges.
The warning comes after the Service received reports of some school heads allegedly collecting various fees from parents and guardians.
In a statement dated Wednesday, September 23, 2026, GES Management directed all heads of SHS/SHTS to stop the collection of unauthorised fees and levies.
The Service said such charges are inconsistent with the government’s free education policy 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, and participation in school activities or access to school services.”
The GES also reminded school heads that the matter of PTA dues is pending before the courts.
“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.”
Beyond stopping the charges, the Service has instructed schools that have already collected unauthorised fees or levies to refund the money.
“Management further directs all heads to ensure that any unauthorised fees and levies already collected are refunded and evidence of that refund presented to the GES Management.”
The GES has warned that school authorities who disregard the directive could face serious administrative consequences.
According to Management, sanctions could include removal from office.
The Service has also called on parents, guardians and members of the public to report cases involving unauthorised fees to enable prompt investigations and action.
The directive is aimed at ensuring that students are not denied admission, enrolment, school activities or access to services because they are unable or unwilling to pay charges that have not been authorised.
