The Ghana Education Service (GES) has unequivocally refuted claims circulating on social media suggesting a cancellation of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy and a mandatory payment of GH¢1,500 for ‘chop boxes and trunks.’ In a carefully worded statement released on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the GES dismissed the misinformation as ‘false’ and urged its public against any engagement with the unsubstantiated claim. The Service has clarified that the Free SHS policy remains firmly in place, and the Director-General has not issued any directive requiring parents or guardians to pay for ‘chop boxes, trunks, or any other items.’
This comes after weeks of intense social media speculation, which initially circulated a narrative suggesting GES had cancelled the policy and demanded payment. The GES’s official statement directly addresses this, stating unequivocally that management has not cancelled the Free SHS policy and that the Director-General has not issued any instructions mandating payment for these items. The statement underscores the Service’s commitment to transparency and rigorous adherence to established policy guidelines.
The GES further emphasized that the Director-General’s authority to cancel the Free SHS policy is non-existent. Responding to the circulating rumors, the GES emphasized that the policy remains unchanged and that any communication regarding payment is unequivocally false. The Service has cautioned the public against relying on unverified social media reports, advocating instead for verification through official channels. Specifically, the GES urges parents, guardians, and students to exclusively utilize the official GES channels – including official websites, social media accounts, and communication platforms – for all information related to Free SHS.
This incident underscores a growing concern within the education sector, particularly among advocacy groups like Eduwatch, who point to the potential for Free SHS to be undermined by the spread of misinformation and the creation of unnecessary anxiety among students and parents. The GES’s clarification represents a crucial step in safeguarding the integrity of the Free SHS program and ensuring its continued success. The Service stresses that the focus now remains on improving the program’s sustainability, with a key objective being to ensure its long-term gains are maintained, as outlined in their strategic plan for the coming academic year. The focus is shifting towards bolstering the program’s operational efficiency and ensuring its continued accessibility for all students across the country. The GES is preparing for the new academic year with a renewed emphasis on clear and consistent communication, guaranteeing transparency and minimizing potential confusion surrounding the policy’s implementation.
Furthermore, the GES acknowledged the public’s concerns surrounding the potential loss of the Free SHS program, highlighting the significance of the policy’s role in enhancing educational opportunities. The Service expressed its appreciation for the public’s vigilance and encouraged engagement with the institution to ensure the program’s continued effectiveness. The GES plans to communicate further details regarding the academic year’s initiatives through its established channels, ensuring all information reaches the public in a timely and reliable manner.”
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Source: Adom Online
