GES bans flamboyant post-examination celebrations on school premises

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced a ban on extravagant post-examination celebrations on school campuses, citing concerns over the growing trend of parents presenting expensive gifts to students after completing Senior High School.

The statement was signed by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations at the Ghana Education Service (GES).

Issued on June 19, 2026, it noted that the Service had observed a growing trend of parents and guardians celebrating their children’s completion of secondary education with lavish displays on school premises, including the presentation of motor vehicles, money bouquets, and other costly gifts.

According to the Service, while it does not oppose parents celebrating their children’s achievements, it is concerned about the impact of such ostentatious displays in the school environment.

“Management is not against the practice of parents and guardians celebrating the achievement of their children or wards, [but] Management is against the practice of such ostentatious displays by parents on school premises,” the statement noted.

GES therefore directed that, with immediate effect, post-examination celebrations characterised by the presentation of expensive items such as motor vehicles to students will no longer be permitted on school campuses.

The Service warned that heads of schools who allow such activities on their premises would face sanctions.

GES explained that schools are intended to serve as social equalisers where merit, hard work and personal effort are valued above economic status.

It said lavish displays of wealth risk creating visible socio-economic divisions among students and could shift attention away from academic achievement.

The Service further noted that such celebrations may cause psychological distress to students whose parents may not have the financial means to organise similar events.

GES appealed to parents, guardians and other stakeholders to cooperate with the directive to help maintain an inclusive and supportive educational environment.