The Ghana Education Service (GES) has debunked reports circulating on social media claiming that the Director-General has cancelled the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.
The alleged claims also claim the Director-General has directed parents to pay GH¢1,500 for chop boxes and trunks.
According to the GES, the Free SHS policy remains in effect, adding that the Director-General has not issued any directive asking parents or guardians to pay for chop boxes, trunks or any other items.
The GES further stressed that the Director-General does not have the authority to cancel the Free SHS policy, calling on parents, guardians and students not to make any payments to individuals.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the GES stated, “The attention of the Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has been drawn to a publication circulating on social media alleging that the Director-General has cancelled the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy and directed parents to pay a compulsory GH61,500 for chop boxes and trunks.
Management wishes to state categorically that the publication is FALSE and should be disregarded.
Management has not cancelled the Free SHS policy, nor has the Director-General issued any directive requiring parents or guardians to pay any money for chop boxes, trunks or any other item.
The Director-General of GES does not have the power to cancel a policy
Parents, guardians, students and the general public are therefore urged not to make any payments to anyone
The GES advises the public to rely only on official communications issued through the Service’s authorised channels and to treat unverified publications on social media with caution.
The Service further urges members of the public and media organisations to desist from creating, publishing or circulating false information capable of causing unnecessary anxiety and confusion among parents, students and the general public”.
See the statement below:
@ghnow_ “You have made GH¢22 billion loss just from selling gold.” — Minority Leader quizzes GoldBod #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has addressed the press in Parliament on concerns over reported losses linked to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), questioning the institution’s financial management and calling for greater scrutiny #fyp #GHnow ♬ original sound – GHnow
