The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a firm warning to all school heads over the collection of illegal levies disguised as Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues.
In a statement released on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, and signed by the Head of Public Relations, Daniel Fenyí, the Service confirmed receiving several reports indicating that some second-cycle institutions were demanding unapproved PTA and development levies from students and parents.
GES clarified that no school has the authority to collect PTA levies without prior approval from the appropriate educational oversight bodies. For basic schools, authorisation must come from the District Education Oversight Committee (DEOC) through the District Director of Education, while for second-cycle institutions, approval must be granted by the Regional Director of Education.
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“Even where levies are duly approved, payments remain strictly voluntary. No student should be denied access to any school service or right for failing to pay,” the statement stressed.
The directive also prohibits heads of schools, teachers, and any GES staff from directly collecting PTA levies. Instead, fundraising is to be handled solely by elected PTA executives, ensuring accountability and transparency.
GES has further instructed all Regional and District Directors to enforce strict compliance and report any breaches for immediate disciplinary action.
The move is part of broader efforts by the GES to protect students and parents from financial exploitation and to maintain trust in the country’s public education system.
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