Private schools in Ghana are openly challenging a directive from the Ghana Education Service (GES) that bans all pre-tertiary graduation ceremonies and related activities. The Greater Accra Regional Education Directorate has ordered an immediate halt to all graduation ceremonies, prom nights, and leavers’ celebrations for both public and private schools. This directive follows concerns over extravagant social media displays of lavish celebrations among some students.
School proprietors argue this blanket ban punishes all institutions for the actions of a few parents and students. They contend the ban prevents schools from celebrating genuine academic achievements and recognising the hard work of students and staff. This decision, they believe, also removes a significant calendar event that engages parents and the wider school community.
This development unfolds within a broader national conversation about educational standards and financial pressures on Ghanaian families. The Ministry of Education’s move suggests a desire to curb perceived excesses and promote equity across the educational landscape. Such interventions often highlight tensions between centralised government control and the autonomy of private institutions, particularly concerning financial expenditures and social norms.
Economist and Educationist, Professor Peter Quartey, a private school proprietor, described the ban as a “knee-jerk action.” He suggested that while the intention to curb excesses might be valid, policy guidelines would be a more appropriate solution than a total ban. Proprietors stressed that graduation ceremonies are crucial for rewarding students, acknowledging dedicated teachers, and celebrating academic milestones.
The immediate implication is a standoff between the GES and a significant portion of the private education sector. Schools may seek to defy the order or find alternative ways to celebrate student achievements, potentially leading to further conflict. Decision-makers at the Ministry of Education and GES will need to consider the economic impact on schools and the broader educational community, including potential revenue losses and staff morale. Parents and students, who often look forward to these events, will be closely watching for any review of the directive.
Private school owners expressed strong opposition, calling the ban “primitive” and “unfair to thousands of students.” One proprietor in Cantonment, Accra, stated, “It is unacceptable that the GES placed a total ban on graduations for all schools just because some parents went off the mark. This is unprecedented and, to say the least, archaic.” Another proprietor in East Legon highlighted the importance of these events: “Graduation ceremonies are key components of our annual calendar. We use them not only to acknowledge and reward students who excel, but also to honour hardworking staff and bring all stakeholders together.”
The discontent extends to the perceived lack of consultation and the broad nature of the ban. Owners believe the government should provide clear guidelines to regulate celebration excesses, rather than imposing a complete prohibition. They warn that such a directive is not forward-looking and may not be sustainable in the long run. Many schools are now exploring ways to circumvent the ban and organise their events differently, indicating a potential struggle to enforce the new regulation effectively.