GES Debunks Claims of Free SHS Cancellation and GH¢1,500 Payment

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has dismissed social media claims that the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy has been cancelled and that parents and guardians have been directed to pay GH¢1,500 for chop boxes, trunks and other items.

In a statement issued on August 18, 2026, the Service described the publication as false and urged parents, guardians, students and the general public to disregard it. GES clarified that no directive has been issued requiring parents to make such payments.

The Service also stressed that the Director-General of GES does not have the authority to cancel the Free SHS policy, dismissing claims that the policy had been terminated by the Director-General.

GES has therefore cautioned the public against making payments to anyone based on the circulating claims and advised parents and students to rely on information released through the Service’s authorised communication channels.

The Service further appealed to individuals and media organisations to avoid creating or circulating unverified information, warning that false reports could cause unnecessary anxiety and confusion among parents, students and the wider public.