The Ghana Education Service (GES) has moved to dispel social media reports alleging 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 a circular issued on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the Service described the claim as false and urged parents, students and the general public to disregard it.
The clarification comes as preparations intensify for the admission of students into senior high schools, with the circulating publication reportedly creating anxiety among parents and guardians.
According to the GES, the Free SHS policy remains in place and no directive has been issued by the Director-General requiring parents or guardians to make payments for chop boxes, trunks or any other items.
The Service also stressed that the Director-General of GES does not have the authority to unilaterally cancel a national policy such as Free SHS.
“Management wishes to state categorically that the publication is FALSE and should be disregarded,” the GES said.
It added that management had neither cancelled the Free SHS policy nor instructed parents or guardians to pay money for chop boxes, trunks or other items.
The Service consequently warned parents and students against making payments to individuals based on information circulating on social media.
GES advised the public to verify such claims through its authorised communication channels before taking any action.
“Parents, guardians, students and the general public are therefore urged not to make any payments to anyone,” the Service cautioned.
The GES further urged the public to exercise caution when dealing with unverified social media publications, particularly those involving financial demands linked to the admission of students into senior high schools.
