The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced an immediate ban on extravagant post-examination celebrations on school premises, citing concerns over growing displays of wealth that could undermine the values of equity and merit in schools.
In a statement issued on June 19, 2026, the GES said it had observed an emerging trend of parents and guardians marking their children’s completion of Senior High School with lavish gifts, including motor vehicles and money bouquets, presented on school campuses.
According to the Service, while it does not oppose parents celebrating the achievements of their children, it is concerned about the increasing practice of ostentatious displays during school events.
“To ensure that this practice does not gain roots in the school culture, management wishes to inform the general public that, henceforth, post-examination celebrations that are characterised by lavish presentation of items such as motor vehicles to students are prohibited on school premises,” the statement said.
The GES further warned that heads of schools who permit such activities on their campuses would face sanctions.
The Service explained that schools are intended to serve as social equalizers where merit, hard work and personal effort take precedence over economic status. It argued that conspicuous displays of wealth on school grounds risk creating socio-economic divisions among students and shifting attention away from academic achievement.
GES also noted that such celebrations could cause psychological distress to students whose parents may not be in a position to engage in similar displays.
The statement called on parents, guardians and other stakeholders to cooperate with the directive to preserve the educational environment and promote inclusiveness within schools.
The release was signed by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations at the Ghana Education Service.
Story By: Eric Boateng
