GES bans the presentation of expensive gifts, including cars and money bouquets, on school campuses

The Ministry of Education has announced the immediate suspension of all Senior High School (SHS) graduation ceremonies across Ghana amid growing concerns over extravagant displays of wealth during such events.

The directive, issued by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, will remain in force pending a review of the guidelines governing graduation ceremonies in second-cycle institutions.

The ministry cites growing public concerns.

In a statement released on Saturday, June 20, the Ministry said it had observed increasing public criticism over the manner in which some SHS graduation ceremonies are being conducted.

According to the Ministry, schools are institutions established to promote learning, discipline, character development, and responsible citizenship. As such, graduation ceremonies should reflect these core values rather than becoming platforms for ostentatious displays of wealth.

The Ministry stressed that graduation events are intended to celebrate students' academic achievements and personal growth and should therefore be marked by modesty, dignity, and respect.

Haruna Iddrisu orders nationwide suspension

As part of efforts to address the issue, the Minister for Education directed the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to suspend all SHS graduation ceremonies across the country with immediate effect.

READ MORE: 5 most poisonous animals in the world (Ranked)

The Ministry explained that the suspension will allow authorities to review existing regulations and establish measures that ensure school ceremonies align with the objectives of Ghana's education system.

Officials also condemned any actions by students, parents, guardians, or stakeholders that shift attention away from the educational purpose of such events.

"The Ministry strongly condemns any conduct that promotes extravagance and detracts from the true purpose of school ceremonies," the statement noted.

GES bans lavish post-examination celebrations.

The latest directive comes shortly after the Ghana Education Service announced a ban on extravagant post-examination celebrations on school campuses.

Under the new policy, parents and guardians are prohibited from presenting expensive gifts such as motor vehicles, money bouquets, and other luxury items to students on school premises after completing their SHS education.

GES said it had become increasingly concerned about a growing trend of flamboyant celebrations taking place in schools, warning that the practice undermines the values of equality and merit that educational institutions seek to promote.

READ MORE: Binaba: 14-year-old girl reportedly raped and killed; family demands justice

Schools should remain equal spaces for all students.

According to GES, schools are designed to serve as social equalisers where academic performance, discipline, and personal effort take precedence over economic status.

The Service warned that public displays of wealth on school grounds risk creating visible socio-economic divisions among students while placing unnecessary psychological pressure on those from less privileged backgrounds.

GES argued that lavish celebrations could shift focus from academic achievement to financial privilege, potentially affecting the inclusive environment schools are expected to maintain.

School heads face sanctions.

The Ghana Education Service has further warned that heads of schools who permit such extravagant celebrations on their campuses will face sanctions.

The service called on parents, guardians, and other stakeholders to cooperate with the directive and support efforts to preserve discipline, equality, and moral development within Ghana's educational institutions.

The Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all school-related activities uphold the highest standards of responsibility, discipline, and character formation as part of the broader goals of Ghana's education system.