The Management of the Ghana Education Service in a recent announcement made on the 20th of September, 2023 has expressed grave concern over reports of alleged unauthorized fee collection by some heads of Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools (SHS/SHTS) during the clearance process for final year students.
The GES has unequivocally condemned this practice, declaring it illegal and against the principles of fair and just education. In light of this, they have issued a stern warning to all school heads engaged in such activities, urging them to cease immediately and refund any monies collected from students.
Moreover, Management has taken a strong stance by declaring that any head of a school found to have unlawfully collected fees from final year students before signing their clearance forms will face severe sanctions.
This stern action is intended to uphold the integrity of the educational system and ensure that all students have equal access to the clearance process, unburdened by unauthorized financial demands.
While cracking down on unauthorized fee collection, the GES has emphasized the importance of following established procedures to surcharge students for any damages, losses, or theft of school property.
Regional Directors of Education have been called upon to play a crucial role in implementing and enforcing this directive. They are tasked with communicating this message to all Heads of SHS/SHTS under their jurisdiction, with an emphasis on the need for strict compliance.
The GES has therefore encouraged students, parents, and the public to report any instances of unauthorized fee collection, ensuring that the principles of transparency and equity prevail within the Ghanaian educational system.
Source: GESHub.org
