Free SHS not cancelled-GES refutes media reports

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has moved swiftly to quash a social media publication claiming 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 an official statement issued on Monday, August 18, the GES described the publication as false and urged parents, guardians, students and the general public to completely disregard the information.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns among parents and prospective Senior High School students following the circulation of the alleged directive across social media platforms.

The Service stated categorically that its Management had not cancelled the policy and that the Director-General had not issued any directive requiring parents or guardians to pay money for chop boxes, trunks or any other items.

This means that parents should not panic or rush to make payments based on the viral publication.

The controversial claim suggested that parents would be required to pay GH¢1,500 for items including chop boxes and trunks.

However, the GES has firmly rejected the claim.

The Service had advised parents, guardians and students not to make any payments to anyone on the basis of the information circulating online.

GES emphasised that any communication concerning Free SHS and related arrangements should be verified through the Service’s authorised communication channels before parents take any action The GES statement also addressed an important aspect of the viral claim — the alleged cancellation of the Free SHS policy by the Director-General.

The Service clarified that the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service did not have the power to cancel a government policy.

Consequently, the claim that the Director-General had personally cancelled the Free SHS programme was not only false but also inconsistent with the authority of the office.

With the false information already circulating on social media, the GES has appealed to parents, guardians, students and members of the public to exercise caution.

Parents who come across messages demanding payment in connection with the alleged GH¢1,500 charge are advised not to send money or provide payment details based solely on such messages.

Instead, they should verify the information through official GES channels.

The Service also urged the public to be particularly careful with unverified social media publications, especially information involving school admissions, fees, uniforms, trunks, chop boxes and other material. The GES further called on members of the public and media organisations to desist from creating, publishing or circulating false information capable of causing unnecessary anxiety.