Haruna Iddrisu, Ghana’s Minister for Education, has issued a firm warning to all head teachers across the country against charging unapproved fees as first-year students begin reporting to school for the new academic year.
The Minister emphasized that any head teacher demanding unauthorized payments or refusing admission to a student placed in their school will face strict disciplinary action.
Speaking at the 32nd Annual Conference of Directors of Education in Sunyani, Mr. Iddrisu expressed concern over rising complaints that some school heads are extorting money from parents and guardians under the guise of registration or placement charges. He described such acts as “unacceptable and contrary to the government’s vision of free and fair access to quality education.”
“Any head teacher found guilty of such infractions will be sanctioned according to established administrative and legal procedures,” Mr. Iddrisu stated.
He further directed Directors of Education nationwide to intensify monitoring in all schools to ensure full compliance with Ministry of Education guidelines. The goal, he said, is to guarantee a transparent, fair, and smooth enrollment process for all incoming students.
Mr. Iddrisu reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to discipline, transparency, and equity in Ghana’s education sector.
“We will not allow access to be compromised,” he stressed. “Every Ghanaian child deserves the right to education — without barriers or hidden costs.”
He added that the government remains committed to strengthening the Free SHS policy, ensuring that financial limitations never prevent young Ghanaians from accessing education. Parents are therefore urged to report any cases of extortion immediately to regional education offices.
