GES to sanction schools charging unapproved fees- Haruna Iddrisu
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has called for an immediate probe into claims that some senior high schools are charging students for services that should be free.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, April 8, the Minister addressed complaints that certain schools were demanding fees for Ghana Education Service (GES)-approved online classes. A message sent to the programme claimed that “some SHSs are charging fees for GES-approved online classes, which were intended as a top-up to complete the first term… authorities are charging GHC609 in the name of PTA.”
Mr. Iddrisu labeled these fees as illegal and promised action. “Those are unlawful charges that the Director General of GES will investigate, and appropriate sanctions will be applied,” he said, adding that he had already begun steps to resolve the issue.
“I’ve requested the Director General of GES to join me in my office… so he will be here,” he noted. When asked about the urgency of the matter, he confirmed immediate intervention. “This is something that will be dealt with immediately,” he stated.
The Minister also addressed concerns over the distribution of tablets meant to support online learning, following reports that some students had not received theirs. “It may just be an isolated case. I am aware the devices have been widely distributed across the country,” he said, adding that he had spoken with the president of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), who confirmed receipt of the tablets.
Regarding enforcement and monitoring, especially for students preparing for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), Mr. Iddrisu said a technical committee would be set up to strengthen oversight. “It will not just be one or two people… CHASS and parents will have representation to track and monitor,” he explained.
He also highlighted ongoing infrastructure challenges in the education sector, particularly since the introduction of the Free Senior High School policy. “We are still dealing with the consequences of a national problem. Infrastructure across the country did not match the Free SHS rollout,” he said, noting the strain caused by rapid enrolment growth. “If you had 1,400 students and now have 3,500, what do you expect? There will be congestion and overcrowding.”
To address these issues, the Minister revealed that Ghana had secured substantial external support. “Thankfully, we’ve received $300 million from the World Bank. Work should start in July to improve school infrastructure,” he said, adding that these funds will expand school capacity alongside additional interventions through the GETFund.
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