- GES cautions school heads over illegal levy collection
- PTA or development fees require official approval
- Payment of approved levies is strictly voluntary
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a warning to school heads, advising them not to impose or collect unauthorised fees under the pretense of Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues.
In a statement released on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, and signed by its Head of Public Relations, Daniel Fenyí, the GES revealed that it had received complaints about certain second-cycle institutions charging unapproved levies. The Service clarified that no school is permitted to collect PTA or development levies without obtaining prior authorisation.
For basic schools, such approval must be granted by the District Education Oversight Committee (DEOC) through the District Director of Education, while second-cycle schools must receive clearance from the Regional Director of Education.
The GES also stressed that even when levies are approved, their payment is entirely voluntary. No student should be denied access to education, school services, or benefits due to non-payment.
Additionally, the statement made it clear that heads of schools, teachers, and GES staff are not to participate in collecting PTA dues. Fundraising activities are the exclusive responsibility of officially elected PTA executives.
All Regional and District Directors have been tasked with ensuring full compliance with this directive and reporting any violations for prompt disciplinary action.
