GES Bans Lavish SHS Completion Celebrations on School Grounds

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has banned parents from staging extravagant celebrations on school premises after their children complete the Senior High School exams.

In a directive issued on June 19 and signed by Head of Public Relations Daniel Fenyi, GES said it has noticed a growing trend of “flamboyant celebrations” where parents present expensive gifts like cars and money bouquets to students on campus.

GES clarified that it does not oppose parents celebrating their children’s achievements. However, it is against lavish displays happening on school grounds.

“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 Service warned that heads of schools who permit such celebrations will face sanctions. It called on parents, guardians, and stakeholders to cooperate with the new directive.

According to GES, schools should promote merit and personal effort over economic status. The Service argued that ostentatious displays create socio-economic divisions among students and shift focus from academic achievement to financial privilege.

“Such displays can foster psychological distress among students whose parents are not able to compete in such flamboyant celebrations,” the release noted.

The ban takes immediate effect.