Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Orders Immediate Probe into Illegal GH¢609 Fees for GES-Approved Online Classes in SHS
In a swift and firm response to growing parent complaints, Ghana’s Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to launch an immediate investigation into reports that some Senior High Schools (SHS) are illegally charging students for online classes that are supposed to be free.
The charges reportedly GH¢609 collected under the guise of Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues have sparked outrage among parents, especially as the online sessions were introduced by the GES as a supplementary top-up to help complete the first term’s syllabus amid infrastructure challenges.
What Exactly Is Happening?
According to complaints aired on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show today (Wednesday, 8 April 2026), certain SHS authorities are demanding money for GES-approved online classes. These virtual lessons were rolled out to support teaching and learning, particularly in schools facing overcrowding due to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.
Parents allege the fees are being framed as “PTA contributions,” even though the sessions are officially provided at no cost to students. The Minister was categorical in his reaction:
“Those are unlawful charges that the Director General of GES will investigate, and appropriate sanctions will be applied.” Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education
He further confirmed urgent action:
“I’ve just requested the Director General of GES to join me in the office… so he will be here. So we should take it that this is something that will be dealt with immediately.”
Why Are Online Classes Being Offered?
The Free SHS policy has dramatically increased enrolment in many schools from an average of 1,400 to as high as 3,500 students in some cases leading to severe congestion and pressure on facilities. To bridge learning gaps, the GES introduced online supplementary classes, supported by the distribution of tablets to students.
However, some parents have also complained about uneven distribution of these tablets. The Minister described such cases as “isolated” and noted that the President of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) confirmed widespread receipt of the devices.
Broader details on Illegal Fees
This latest probe is part of a continuing government effort to protect the Free SHS policy from exploitation. In recent months, the GES has repeatedly warned schools against charging unauthorised fees, including under the name of PTA dues. Similar investigations have targeted admission-related extortions and other hidden charges.
Minister Iddrisu is now going further by announcing the formation of a technical monitoring committee that will include representatives from CHASS and parents to ensure transparency in online learning delivery this year.
Long-Term Solutions on the Horizon
The Minister acknowledged the root causes:
“We are still dealing with the symptoms of a national problem. Infrastructure across the country did not match the introduction of the Free Senior High School.”
Good news for the sector: Ghana has secured $300 million from the World Bank for major infrastructure upgrades, with rollout expected to begin in July 2026. Additional support will come through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
What Parents Should Do
- Report immediately: Any demand for fees related to GES-approved online classes should be reported to the school’s PTA, the District Education Office, or directly to the GES hotline.
- Keep records: Save receipts, messages, or any communication demanding payment.
- Verify information: Always cross-check with official GES circulars before making any payment.
The GES Director-General is expected to provide updates on the investigation in the coming days.
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