Free SHS Remains Free: GES Strongly Rejects Claims of GH¢1,700 Feeding Fee
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has firmly dismissed widespread reports and allegations that some Senior High Schools are charging parents GH¢1,700 as feeding fees under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.
In an official statement, the GES reassured the public that Free SHS remains completely free, and no school has been authorised to collect any form of fees from students or parents.
What the GES Statement Says
According to the management of the GES:
- No school has been given approval to charge feeding fees or any other fees under any name or guise.
- Claims circulating on radio and social media suggesting that Free SHS is no longer free are false and misleading.
- The government’s commitment to the flagship Free SHS policy has not changed it will not only be maintained but also improved.
“Management of the Ghana Education Service has not authorised or sanctioned any school to charge fees under any name or in any form from students or parents.” GES Statement
The statement further warned that any school found charging money under the guise of feeding fees is acting unlawfully and without the approval of management. Such actions will be investigated and sanctioned accordingly.
Background to the Claims
The clarification follows reports and radio discussions where some parents alleged that certain schools were demanding GH¢1,700 for feeding. These claims sparked public concern and debate about the sustainability of the Free SHS programme, which has been running since its introduction in 2017 by the Nana Akufo-Addo-led government.
The Free SHS policy provides tuition, accommodation, and feeding to students in public senior high schools, significantly increasing access to secondary education across the country.
GES Advice to Parents and Students
The Ghana Education Service has urged parents and guardians to:
- Disregard any demands for unauthorised fees.
- Report immediately to school management or the GES if any school attempts to collect feeding or other fees.
- Stay informed through official channels rather than unverified social media or radio claims.
Importance of the Free SHS Policy
Since its inception, the Free SHS policy has been one of Ghana’s most impactful social intervention programmes. It has:
- Removed financial barriers to secondary education.
- Increased enrolment dramatically.
- Supported national human capital development.
Despite occasional challenges related to funding and infrastructure, the government continues to affirm its dedication to the programme.
Key Takeaways
- Free SHS is still fully free no approved feeding or other fees.
- Any school charging GH¢1,700 (or any amount) is doing so illegally.
- Parents should report illegal fee collection to the authorities.
- The GES and government remain committed to sustaining and improving the policy.
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