The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued an immediate ban on flamboyant post-examination celebrations on school compounds, particularly those involving expensive gifts such as cars and large cash bouquets.
In an official statement dated June 19, 2026, signed by Head of Public Relations Daniel Fenyi (Ref: GES/HQ/PR/26/144), the GES expressed concern over the growing trend of parents and guardians turning Senior High School (SHS) graduation periods into displays of wealth on school premises.
The directive makes it clear that while the Service supports parents celebrating their children’s academic achievements, it strongly opposes ostentatious displays that could undermine the core values of schools as institutions of merit and equal opportunity.
“Schools are designed to promote social equalisers where merit and personal effort take priority over economic status,” the statement reads. It warns that such celebrations create visible socio-economic divisions, shift focus away from academic hard work, and may cause psychological distress to students from less privileged backgrounds.
Key points of the ban include:
- Prohibition of lavish presentations (e.g., motor vehicles, extravagant money bouquets) on school premises.
- Sanctions for heads of schools who permit such activities on their campuses.
- Emphasis on maintaining a culture that prioritises academic achievement over financial showmanship.
The move comes amid growing public debate about the commercialisation and extravagance surrounding WASSCE results and graduation periods in Ghana. Many parents view elaborate celebrations as a way to honour their children’s success, but critics argue they place undue pressure on families and distract from the educational mission of schools.
The GES has called on all parents, guardians, teachers, and stakeholders to cooperate with the new directive to preserve the integrity and inclusive environment of Ghanaian schools.
This policy is expected to take immediate effect across all public and private Senior High Schools under GES oversight.
What’s next?
Parents and schools are advised to channel celebrations to homes, community halls, or other non-school venues. The GES has indicated it will monitor compliance and enforce sanctions where necessary.
