By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, Sierra Leone — July 27, 2026: The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has issued a stern warning to schools, teachers, and officials against demanding unauthorized payments from parents and guardians before releasing pupils’ report cards.
In a press release on Monday, the Ministry stressed that no school or official is permitted to charge money for the collection of report cards at the end of any academic term. It described the practice as illegal, unacceptable, and contrary to the Government’s Free Quality School Education policy.
The Ministry emphasized that report cards are the right of every pupil and their parents or guardians, and access to them must never be conditional on payment. Parents whose schools insist on collecting money have been advised to request official receipts and treat any demand outside approved guidelines as a red flag.
Members of the public are encouraged to report such incidents by calling the Ministry’s toll‑free line 8060 or by contacting senior officials directly. The Ministry assured that all reports will be treated seriously and that disciplinary action will be taken against violators.
Reaffirming its commitment to ensuring unhindered access to education, the Ministry urged parents, teachers, and administrators to work together to eliminate illegal financial barriers. It also called on anyone who has already made unauthorized payments to report the matter with supporting evidence.