Editorial: GES must crack the whip on School heads who charge illegal BECE registration fees  

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a strong warning to heads of basic schools against the imposition of unauthorised Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) registration fees on final-year students. This follows allegations circulating on social media that some School heads were illegally charging students for BECE registration, a practice that has sparked public concern.

In a statement released on February 12, 2025 the GES management emphasised that such charges are not approved and instructed School heads to immediately halt the practice.

“Regional Directors are instructed to alert District Directors to monitor the situation and caution all Heads of Basic Schools. Any Head who has collected such unauthorised fees is required to refund the monies promptly. Failure to comply will result in sanctions,” the statement read.

The GES also reminded School heads that late registration of candidates will not be permitted, urging them to ensure that all eligible students are registered within the stipulated period set by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). The statement, signed by Cassandra Twum Ampofo, Head of the Public Relations Unit of GES, further urged the general public to take note of the directive

Education is a fundamental right, and any practice that places unnecessary financial burdens on students and their families must be condemned and eradicated. The allegations that some school heads are illegally charging students for BECE registration highlight a worrying trend that undermines the principles of fairness and accessibility in Ghana’s education system.

For years, concerns have been raised about unauthorised fees being imposed by school administrators under various pretexts. While the government has made provisions for free and fair registration of students for the BECE, reports of headteachers extorting money from unsuspecting parents and guardians continue to emerge. The latest allegations, which prompted the GES’s swift response, underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement and accountability measures.

The GES’s directive is clear, no school head has the authority to demand extra fees for BECE registration and those found guilty of doing so will face strict sanctions. Additionally, the demand for immediate refunds is a crucial step toward ensuring that affected students and parents do not suffer financial losses due to these illicit demands.

One of the most commendable aspects of the GES’s directive is the emphasis on oversight. By instructing Regional and District Directors to closely monitor compliance, the education authorities are sending a strong message that this issue will not be taken lightly.

However, to ensure full adherence, enforcement mechanisms must be strengthened. A mere warning may not be enough to deter school heads who have engaged in such practices for years. Stiff penalties, including demotions, suspensions, and even legal actions, should be pursued where necessary.

Moreover, public involvement is key. Parents and students must be encouraged to report instances of extortion without fear of victimisation. Setting up anonymous reporting channels and ensuring prompt investigations into allegations can help break the cycle of exploitation.

Additionally, the government must continue its efforts to improve transparency in the administration of basic education. The digitisation of the BECE registration process, increased public awareness and routine audits can help ensure that students are not unfairly burdened.

The fight against corruption in our educational system requires a multi-pronged approach. While the GES’s directive is a step in the right direction, long-term solutions must be implemented to prevent the recurrence of such issues. A nationwide sensitisation campaign should be launched to educate parents, students, and school administrators about the legitimate registration process and the consequences of extorting students.

Furthermore, the government should ensure that adequate funding is provided to schools so that financial constraints do not become an excuse for imposing unauthorised charges. Strict auditing and routine inspections must also be reinforced to deter non-compliance. The authorities must remain vigilant and proactive to ensure that no student is denied access to education due to financial exploitation.

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