The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has cautioned that headteachers who deny admission to students duly placed in their schools or demand unapproved fees will face strict sanctions.

He issued the warning at the 32nd Annual Conference of Directors of Education held in Sunyani, in the Bono Region.

The Minister expressed deep concern over reports received by the Ministry that some school heads were hindering the enrollment process for first-year students and extorting money from parents and guardians.

“Such practices are unacceptable and undermine the government’s commitment to equitable access to free and quality education for every Ghanaian child,” Haruna Iddrisu said.

He emphasised that all students officially placed in schools through the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) must be admitted without any form of discrimination or financial demand beyond the approved fees.

“All students officially placed in schools must be admitted. Any denial of admission or demand for unapproved fees will not be tolerated,” he added.

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to maintain discipline, transparency, and fairness within the educational sector, warning that “any headteacher found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with established administrative and legal procedures.”

He further urged Directors of Education to intensify monitoring and ensure compliance with Ministry directives, saying, “Directors must ensure schools follow Ministry directives to guarantee a smooth enrollment process for all first-year students across the country.”