The Ministry of Education has ordered the immediate suspension of all Senior High School graduation ceremonies nationwide as part of efforts to curb growing displays of extravagance associated with school celebrations.
In a press statement issued on June 20, 2026, the Ministry said it had taken note of increasing public concerns over what it described as the “excessive display of wealth and flamboyance” during graduation ceremonies in some Senior High Schools across the country.
According to the Ministry, schools are institutions dedicated to learning, discipline, character formation and the development of responsible citizens, and therefore ceremonies marking the completion of studies should reflect “modesty, dignity, and respect associated with the educational environment.”
The statement, signed by Press Secretary to the Education Minister, Hashmin Mohammed, said the Ministry “strongly condemns any conduct by students, parents, guardians, or other stakeholders that promotes extravagance and detracts from the true purpose of school ceremonies.”
Consequently, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has directed the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to suspend all Senior High School graduation ceremonies with immediate effect, pending a review of guidelines governing such events.
“The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that all school activities uphold the highest standards of discipline, responsibility, and moral development, in line with the objectives of Ghana’s education system,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service announced a ban on lavish post-examination celebrations on school premises.
In a statement dated June 19, 2026, GES said management had observed an emerging trend of parents and guardians celebrating their children’s completion of Senior High School with expensive gifts, including motor vehicles and money bouquets.
While indicating that it was not opposed to parents celebrating the achievements of their children, the Service said it objected to “ostentatious displays” on school campuses.
“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 signed by Head of Public Relations, Daniel Fenyi, said.
GES warned that heads of schools who permit such practices on their campuses would face sanctions.
The Service argued that schools are intended to serve as “social equalizers where merit and personal effort take priority over economic status,” adding that conspicuous displays of wealth could deepen socio-economic divisions and cause psychological distress among students whose families are unable to match such celebrations.
Management of GES called for the cooperation of parents, guardians and other stakeholders to prevent the practice from becoming entrenched in school culture.
The latest measures follow heightened public debate over videos circulating on social media showing students receiving luxury gifts and elaborate presentations during school-related celebrations.
