GES bans lavish post-exam celebrations in SHS, warns heads who allow it
The Ghana Education Service has banned flamboyant post-examination celebrations by parents on Senior High School premises, warning that heads who allow it will be sanctioned.
In a statement signed by Head of Public Relations Daniel Fenyi and dated June 19, 2026, GES said it is concerned about a growing trend of parents presenting expensive gifts, such as motor vehicles and “money bouquets,” to SHS graduates on campus.
Why the ban
GES said while it supports celebrating student achievement, ostentatious displays on school grounds shift focus from academic merit to financial privilege. “Schools are designed to promote social equalizers where merit and personal effort take priority over economic status,” the statement read. “Ostentatious displays of wealth by parents on school premises create visible socio-economic divisions… and can foster psychological distress among students whose parents are not able to compete.”
What’s prohibited
Henceforth, post-exam celebrations characterized by the lavish presentation of items, such as motor vehicles, to students are prohibited on school premises. The directive takes effect immediately.
GES also warned that heads of schools who permit the practice on their campus will face sanctions.
Call for cooperation
The Service said it is counting on parents, guardians, and stakeholders to cooperate so the culture of flamboyant displays does not take root in SHS.
The directive comes as this year’s WASSCE candidates complete exams and begin transitioning out of SHS.
Read the full statement below:
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