GES Denies Free SHS Cancellation Amid False GH¢1,500 Levy Claims

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has moved to quash misleading claims circulating on social media suggesting that the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy has been scrapped, with parents allegedly being asked to contribute GH¢1,500 per student. The service has urged the public to disregard these reports, warning that they appear to be part of ongoing scams targeting unsuspecting parents and guardians.

In a statement addressing the false information, GES officials clarified that the Free SHS policy remains active and continues to operate as originally designed. The viral claims, which have sparked concern among parents nationwide, lack any official endorsement or communication from the education ministry or the service itself.

Protecting Parents from Fraudulent Schemes

The GES has specifically cautioned parents and guardians against falling victim to what has been dubbed a "chop box" scam—a term commonly used in Ghana to describe schemes where money is fraudulently collected under false pretences. These scams typically involve individuals posing as school officials or education representatives, demanding payments for fictitious levies or alleged policy changes.

Parents are advised to verify any requests for payment by contacting their children's schools directly through official channels rather than responding to messages or announcements shared via social media platforms, which have become prime avenues for spreading misinformation.

The Background and Why It Matters for Ghana

The Free SHS policy, launched in 2017, has been one of Ghana's flagship educational initiatives, providing tuition-free secondary education to eligible students across the country. The programme has significantly improved access to education for thousands of Ghanaian families, particularly those in lower-income brackets who previously struggled to afford secondary school fees.

Such fraudulent schemes undermine public confidence in legitimate government programmes and create unnecessary anxiety among families. With many Ghanaian households already managing tight budgets, false claims about additional levies can cause genuine hardship and confusion. The circulation of these scams also highlights the broader challenge of misinformation in the digital age, where false claims spread rapidly through social media before official clarifications can reach the public.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious demands for money to the GES or their local education authorities. School administrators have also been urged to keep parents informed through official channels about any genuine levies or contributions that may be required, ensuring transparency and preventing the proliferation of false narratives.

The GES reminder comes at a time when safeguarding the credibility of government educational programmes is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that students continue to benefit from the intended benefits of free secondary education without the fear of hidden charges or fraudulent impositions.