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The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has issued a stern warning to principals of senior secondary schools in the Northern Region over the collection of illegal fees and charges from parents and guardians.
The practice, the Commission says, contravenes both the policy of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) and the Anti-Corruption Act 2000, as amended in 2019.
In a statement released on 21 January 2026, the ACC reminded school administrators that Section 128 (3) of the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act 2019 prohibits engaging in corrupt practices in programmes organized by educational institutions. The section stipulates that anyone involved in such activity, whether to benefit themselves or another person, commits an offence.
The warning comes in the wake of reports that some school principals were demanding unauthorised payments from parents for admission and other services, contrary to the government’s Free Quality School Education Programme.
The ACC emphasized that following the opening of schools, the MBSSE issued approved charges that all secondary schools are required to adhere to. Principals are therefore urged to desist from collecting fees that are not sanctioned by the Ministry, as doing so may attract legal action under the Anti-Corruption Act.
The Commission called on parents, guardians, and members of the public to report any unauthorised charges to the ACC Northern Region office for investigation.
“The ACC is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity in all educational institutions across the country,” the statement said.
