Free SHS Still Free: GES Denies GHC1700 Feeding Fee Claims in Ghana Schools

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has dismissed reports that students under the Free SHS policy are being charged feeding fees. It insists that no school has been allowed to collect money from parents or students for any reason.

In a statement from management, the GES called the claims that schools were demanding GH¢1,700 for feeding false and misleading. The statement came after a radio broadcast where allegations were made that Free SHS was no longer completely free. Some schools were reportedly charging students for meals.

The GES stressed that the government’s commitment to keeping and improving this major education policy has not changed. It warned that any attempt to undermine it would be taken seriously. “Management of the Ghana Education Service has not authorised or permitted any school to charge fees — under any name or in any form — from students or parents,” the statement said.

The GES urged the public to ignore what it called unproven claims being spread by people trying to misinform others. While denying any official approval for such charges, the GES admitted that some schools might be acting on their own. It warned that any school found charging feeding fees would be breaking the law.

The statement drew to statement that “Any school found to be charging money under the guise of feeding fees, as alleged, is acting unlawfully and without the approval of Management.” The GES further warned that secret fee collection and the spread of false information about Free SHS go against the national interest.

“The government’s commitment to not only maintain the Free SHS policy but improve upon it has not changed,” the statement added. The GES advised parents and students who may have been asked to pay unauthorised fees to report the matter to management for investigation and possible punishment of offending schools.

The Free SHS policy, started in 2017, remains one of Ghana’s biggest social programmes. It provides tuition, accommodation and feeding support for students in public senior high schools across the country. Although the programme has faced occasional concerns about funding, buildings and logistics, successive governments have continued to promise their commitment to keeping it going.

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