GES Orders Immediate Refund of WASSCE Practical Fees Collected from Students

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a strong directive to heads of second cycle institutions across the country to refund all fees collected from students and parents for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) practical examinations.

In an official statement released and signed by the Acting Deputy Director General of the GES, Professor Smile Dzisi, the Service emphasized that the collection of such fees was unauthorized. The GES expressed concern over reports that some schools had demanded payment for practical components of the WASSCE despite clear guidelines indicating that the cost of the entire examination, including practical sessions, is fully covered by the government under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.

Government Commitment to Free SHS and Exam Costs

Since the introduction of the Free SHS policy in 2017, the government of Ghana has committed to absorbing the full cost of education for students in public second cycle institutions. This includes tuition, textbooks, meals, boarding, and examination fees. The Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) have reiterated that all expenses related to the WASSCE—written, oral, and practical—are catered for under this policy.

As such, the GES has deemed any attempt by school authorities to levy additional charges for the practical aspect of the 2025 WASSCE as a violation of policy and a burden on students and parents who are already assured of free access to education.

“The Ghana Education Service has noted with concern the illegal collection of money by some school heads, purportedly for practical exams. This is unacceptable,” the statement from Professor Dzisi read. “Heads of institutions found to have collected such fees are hereby directed to refund the monies immediately.”

Refund Process Must Be Transparent

The GES did not only order the refund of the monies collected but also stressed the importance of ensuring transparency in the refund process. The Service directed that all refunds must be properly documented, and official receipts issued to acknowledge that repayment has been made to the students or their parents. This, according to the GES, will ensure accountability and prevent further abuse.

To aid in monitoring the process, the GES has instructed Regional and District Directors of Education to oversee and verify that the refund exercise is conducted thoroughly and honestly. The heads of schools involved have been asked to submit reports confirming compliance, with receipts attached as evidence.

“This directive is not optional,” the GES emphasized. “All heads of second cycle institutions must comply or face disciplinary actions.”

Reactions from Parents and Education Stakeholders

The directive from the GES has sparked widespread reaction across the country, particularly among parents who had already paid fees for the practical exams. Many parents welcomed the directive and commended the GES for intervening to protect the interests of students.

“I paid GHS 300 to my daughter’s school last month, and I was told it was for science practicals. But I thought WASSCE fees were covered,” said Mr. Kwame Badu, a parent in the Ashanti Region. “I am happy the GES is acting. That money could be used for her university applications.”

Some parents, however, expressed skepticism about whether the schools would genuinely refund the fees, especially in cases where no receipts were issued during the collection.

“I paid the money in cash to a school official, but there was no official receipt,” said Madam Joyce Amponsah, whose son is a final year Visual Arts student in the Central Region. “I hope they do the right thing, or else parents will have to come together and protest.”

Meanwhile, some teachers and school administrators have defended the collection, claiming the government’s support sometimes arrives late or is inadequate to conduct practicals, especially in science-based programs. These educators argue that the collected funds were intended to ensure the smooth conduct of the exams and not for personal gain.

However, education analysts insist that even if schools face logistical challenges, such concerns must be addressed through official channels and not through unauthorized levies on students.

WAEC Distances Itself from Fees

In response to the controversy, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has clarified that it does not mandate schools to collect any fees from candidates for the practical components of the WASSCE. A spokesperson for WAEC reiterated that all necessary arrangements for the conduct of the practicals are made in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, and that schools are not permitted to impose additional charges.

“WAEC has not sanctioned any school to collect extra fees for practical exams. Any such action is outside the Council’s purview and should be addressed by the appropriate authorities,” the spokesperson stated.

Sanctions for Non-Compliance

The GES has hinted that sanctions may follow for heads of schools who fail to heed the directive. Though the Service has not yet outlined specific punitive measures, past disciplinary actions suggest that culprits could face queries, suspension, or even dismissal, depending on the severity of their actions.

“The GES takes these matters seriously,” said a source within the Service. “Heads who disobey this order could find themselves in serious trouble. Public education funds and policies must not be undermined.”

The Ministry of Education is also said to be closely monitoring the situation and has pledged its support to ensure that affected students and parents receive their refunds in full.

Moving Forward: GES to Intensify Monitoring

In the wake of this issue, the GES has pledged to intensify monitoring and inspection visits to schools, particularly as the WASSCE approaches. The Service says it will work closely with WAEC and the Ministry to ensure that schools adhere strictly to the principles of the Free SHS policy.

The GES also urged parents and students to report any attempts by school authorities to extort money in the name of examination fees.

“Parents and guardians must remain vigilant. If any school demands money for WASSCE-related activities, report immediately to the District or Regional Education office,” the statement concluded.

Conclusion

The directive by the Ghana Education Service to refund fees collected for the 2025 WASSCE practical exams has brought to light the importance of enforcing educational policies that prioritize student welfare and equity. As the government continues to fund the Free SHS initiative, the GES has made it clear that unauthorized financial burdens on students will not be tolerated.

With nationwide monitoring now underway and heightened public awareness, stakeholders are hopeful that such incidents will be minimized in the future, ensuring that the goals of the Free SHS policy—access, equity, and quality—remain intact.

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