MBSSE Bans Illegal Report Card Fees

MBSSE Bans Illegal Report Card Fees

The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has condemned the practice of schools demanding payments for report cards, labeling the act illegal and unacceptable.

In a July 27 press release, the Ministry confirmed reports of schools withholding academic results for money at the end of the term. MBSSE clarified that no official is authorized to charge for report card collection.

“No school, teacher, or school official is authorized to place any charges or request for money for the collection of report cards,” the Ministry stated.

The Ministry stressed that report cards are the right of pupils and their parents or guardians and that access to them must not be tied to any payment.

“Report cards are the right of all pupils and their parents/guardians, and access to them must never be conditioned on any payment whatsoever,” MBSSE said.

The Ministry advised parents and guardians who encounter such demands to request an official receipt and report the matter to the authorities.

It said any payment requested outside approved Ministry guidelines should be treated as a red flag and reported immediately.

Parents and guardians have been encouraged to report violations through the Ministry’s toll-free line, 8060, or by contacting senior officials directly.

“All reports will be treated with the seriousness they deserve, and appropriate action will be taken against any school or individual found to be in violation of this directive,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry also called on those who may have already paid illegal charges for report cards to come forward with evidence to support their complaints.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Conrad Sackey reinforced the warning, saying no child’s access to academic records should be affected by unauthorised fees.

“Free Quality School Education means exactly that, free. I will not let illegal fees stand between any child and their education,” Sackey said.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the principles of Free Quality School Education and urged parents, teachers and school administrators to work together to ensure pupils have uninterrupted access to their academic records.