The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a stern warning to all pre-tertiary institutions across the country, cautioning them against the collection of any form of unauthorised fees from students or their parents.
In a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Wednesday, May 6, the Service made it clear that no school has been given approval to demand any charges, regardless of how they are described.
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,” urging the public to disregard any contrary claims circulating.
The clarification comes amid increasing reports and concerns that some schools may be imposing additional payments on students, including alleged “feeding fees” and other levies not sanctioned by authorities.
GES cautioned that any institution engaging in such practices is operating outside the law. It further warned that such actions would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“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 noted.
Reaffirming government’s commitment to education accessibility, the Service reiterated that the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy remains fully operational and unchanged. According to GES, the programme continues to be a key national initiative aimed at removing financial barriers to secondary education.
The Service added that ongoing efforts are not only focused on sustaining the policy but also improving its implementation for greater efficiency and impact.
It further warned that any attempt to undermine the Free SHS policy—whether through misinformation or the introduction of illegal charges—would be treated as a matter against the national interest.
GES has also encouraged parents and students who encounter unauthorised fee demands to report such cases for immediate investigation and appropriate disciplinary action.
