The Ghana Education Service (GES) has prohibited parents and guardians from presenting expensive gifts, including motor vehicles and money bouquets, to students on school premises following the completion of their Senior High School education.
The directive, contained in a statement dated June 19, 2026, forms part of efforts by the Service to curb what it describes as an emerging culture of flamboyant post-examination celebrations that risk undermining the values schools are meant to promote.
According to the GES, it has observed with concern a growing trend of parents and guardians organizing extravagant celebrations on school campuses, often characterized by the presentation of luxury items to students.
While acknowledging the desire of parents to reward and celebrate the achievements of their children, the Service stressed that such displays have no place within the educational environment.
“Management is not against the practice of parents and guardians celebrating the achievement of their children or wards, but is against such ostentatious displays on school premises,” the statement said.
GES announced that with immediate effect, all post-examination celebrations involving lavish gifts, including cars and money bouquets, are prohibited on school campuses. Heads of schools who permit such activities will face sanctions.
The Service explained that schools are intended to serve as social equalizers where merit and hard work take precedence over economic status. It warned that public displays of wealth on campuses create visible socio-economic divisions among students and may cause psychological distress to those whose families are unable to afford similar gestures. (MyJoyOnline)
The latest directive comes amid increasing public debate over viral videos showing students receiving expensive gifts, including vehicles, from their parents after completing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The Ministry of Education has also ordered the suspension of Senior High School graduation ceremonies nationwide pending a review of guidelines governing such events.
GES has appealed to parents, guardians and other stakeholders to cooperate with the directive in order to preserve discipline, modesty and equality within Ghana’s educational institutions.
