The Ghana Education Service (GES) has imposed an immediate ban on extravagant post-examination celebrations on school campuses, warning that heads of schools who permit such activities will face disciplinary action.
In a statement signed by the Head of Public Relations, Daniel Fenyi, the GES expressed concern over the growing trend of parents and guardians organising lavish celebrations for students who complete Senior High School, often involving the presentation of expensive gifts such as vehicles, money bouquets and other luxury items on school premises.
According to the Service, although it supports parents in celebrating the academic achievements of their children, the increasing display of wealth within school environments raises serious concerns about the values being promoted among students.
The GES stated that with immediate effect, all post-examination celebrations involving ostentatious displays of wealth, particularly the gifting of cars and other costly items on school compounds, are prohibited.
It stressed that heads of schools who allow such activities to take place on their campuses will be held accountable and sanctioned accordingly.
Explaining the directive, the Service noted that schools are meant to be environments that promote equality, discipline and academic excellence, where students are assessed based on merit and hard work rather than economic background.
The GES warned that extravagant celebrations on school grounds could deepen socio-economic disparities among students, create unhealthy competition, and place emotional and psychological pressure on students from less privileged backgrounds.
The Service further observed that such practices risk shifting attention away from academic achievement and the core values of education, while fostering a culture of materialism within schools.
GES therefore appealed to parents, guardians and other stakeholders in the education sector to support the directive and work together to preserve an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
