Ghana Education Service Dismisses Rumors of Free SHS Cancellation and GH"1,500 Payment Demands

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a firm rebuttal against social media rumors claiming that the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy has been cancelled. In addition to debunking the alleged policy reversal, the GES clarified that there is no directive requiring parents or guardians to pay GH"1,500 for student essentials such as chop boxes and trunks. The service labeled these viral reports as completely false and urged the public to treat them with the contempt they deserve.

In an official circular dated August 18, the GES emphasized that the Director-General does not possess the administrative authority to unilaterally cancel a national policy of such magnitude. The statement, issued by Daniel Fenyi, the Head of Public Relations for the GES, reiterated that the Free SHS program remains fully intact and operational across the country. The service expressed concern that such misinformation could create unnecessary panic among parents and students who are preparing for the upcoming school terms.

The GES further warned parents against making any payments to individuals or groups based on these unverified social media claims. By providing this clarification, the education authority seeks to insulate families from potential extortion and ensure that the transition into the senior high school system remains free of unauthorized financial burdens. This move highlights the persistent challenge of misinformation targeting government social intervention programs and the need for rigorous verification of information from official sources.

To avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes, the Ghana Education Service has advised all stakeholders to rely strictly on official communications released through their formal channels. The service remains committed to the successful implementation of the Free SHS policy and encourages the public to remain vigilant. Parents are encouraged to report any school official or third party demanding illegal fees to the GES for immediate investigation and action.