The Ghana Education Service (GES) has cautioned heads of Senior High Schools against imposing unauthorised charges on parents and compelling them to buy items directly from schools.
In a statement dated September 18, 2026, the Service said it has received reports of the practice in some schools.
“Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has received reports of some Heads of Senior High Schools imposing unauthorised charges on parents and guardians and compelling them to purchase items such as trunks, chop boxes, uniforms and cutlasses and others directly from the schools,” the statement signed by Deputy Director-General (Management Services), Prof. Smile Dzisi said.
The GES has therefore directed all heads to immediately stop the practice.
“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,” it stated.
The Service warned that sanctions will be applied to defaulters.
“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,” the statement added.
It has also tasked Regional Directors to ensure the directive reaches all heads of Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools for strict compliance.
Additionally, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed heads of Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools to stop turning away students because they report with metal trunks, wooden chop boxes or other personal storage containers.
The directive follows reports received by the Ghana Education Service that some schools were refusing to accommodate newly admitted boarding students over the type of storage containers they brought to school.
The GES stressed that students admitted to boarding facilities must be treated fairly, regardless of their parents’ or guardians’ ability to purchase specific types or brands of personal effects.
“Consequently, Regional Directors are kindly requested to inform all Heads of Schools to desist from turning away, refusing admission or denying accommodation to duly admitted students solely on the basis of the type of trunk, chop box or personal storage container they bring to school,” the directive stated.
The GES, however, said schools could reject storage containers that are not reasonably sized, unsafe or pose a risk to the health, safety or welfare of other students.
