The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that no school should charge fees from students or parents. This directive comes as a strong statement against any unauthorized financial demands. The GES has not given permission for any school to collect money under any name or guise.
This move is to protect the government's promise of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. The policy aims to make education accessible for all Ghanaian students. The GES stated that any school charging fees, such as feeding fees, is acting illegally. Such actions are without approval from the GES management. The government's dedication to the Free SHS program remains unchanged. Efforts to weaken this vital policy will be viewed seriously. This includes spreading false information or secretly charging students.
The Free SHS policy is a major pillar of Ghana's educational strategy. Launched in 2017, it has significantly increased enrollment in senior high schools. Data from the Ministry of Education shows a substantial rise in student numbers since its inception. This policy addresses a key socioeconomic barrier to education for many Ghanaian families. The GES’s directive highlights the ongoing effort to ensure the policy's integrity and effectiveness. It prevents potential financial burdens on families that could deter access to education.
In a public statement, the GES urged the public to ignore any claims suggesting schools can charge fees. The service emphasized that it has not sanctioned such practices. Any school found violating this directive will face consequences. The GES advises parents and students to report any instances of fee collection. They should submit these reports to the GES management. The service will then investigate these claims thoroughly. Action will be taken against any school found to be in breach of the policy.
This strict stance by the GES will likely lead to closer monitoring of school finances. Parents are encouraged to be vigilant and report any suspicious charges immediately. The GES intends to ensure that the Free SHS policy benefits all eligible students without financial obstruction. The success of the policy relies on its integrity. The GES’s action seeks to maintain public trust in the educational system.