GES threatens sanctions against SHS heads imposing unauthorised charges

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed heads of Senior High Schools (SHSs) to immediately stop imposing unauthorised charges on parents and guardians.

The directive follows reports received by GES Management that some school heads are compelling parents to purchase items such as trunks, chop boxes, uniforms and cutlasses directly from their schools.

In a letter dated September 18, and signed by Deputy Director-General in charge of Management Services, Prof. Smile Dzisi, GES cautioned that heads who breach the approved guidelines could face administrative sanctions.

“Heads of Schools are directed to immediately desist from such practices and ensure strict compliance with approved guidelines on admission of students and student requirements,” the statement said.

It stressed that such practices were not permitted under the approved guidelines governing the admission of students and their requirements.

“Any Head of School found imposing unauthorised charges or compelling parents to purchase items through the school shall face severe administrative sanctions in accordance with GES regulations,” GES warned.

The Service has therefore directed Regional Directors to communicate the directive to all heads of Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools for strict compliance.

The directive comes as schools continue preparations for the admission and placement of students, which officially began on September 18.