The Ghana Education Service (GES) has dismissed social media reports claiming that the Director-General has cancelled the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme and instructed parents and guardians to pay GH¢1,500 for chop boxes and trunks.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the Service described the publication as false and urged the public to disregard the information.

The GES stressed that the Free SHS policy remains fully in effect and clarified that no directive has been issued requiring parents or guardians to make payments for chop boxes, trunks or other items.

“Management has not cancelled the Free SHS policy, nor has the Director-General issued any directive requiring parents or guardians to pay any money for chop boxes, trunks or any other item,” the statement said.

The Service further explained that the Director-General does not have the mandate to cancel the Free SHS policy.

Public cautioned against false reports

The GES cautioned parents and guardians against making payments based on the claims circulating on social media, warning that such payments could expose them to fraud.

It urged the public to verify information concerning the Free SHS programme and other school-related requirements through the Service’s authorised communication channels.

The Service also called on individuals and media organisations to refrain from producing or circulating unverified information that could create unnecessary panic and confusion among parents, students and the general public.

The clarification comes as schools prepare for the new academic year. The GES assured the public that any official information regarding Free SHS, school requirements and related matters would be communicated through its authorised channels.