The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced a ban on the presentation of motor vehicles, money bouquets, and other extravagant gifts to students on school premises during post-examination celebrations. The directive aims to curb ostentatious displays of wealth and promote equality among students.
In a statement issued on June 19, 2026, the GES said it had observed with concern a growing trend of parents and guardians celebrating the completion of their children’s Senior High School education with expensive gifts on school campuses.
According to the Service, while it is not opposed to parents celebrating the achievements of their children, it is against what it described as “flamboyant” and “ostentatious” displays on school premises.
GES said the decision was taken to prevent the practice from becoming entrenched in school culture. It therefore directed that post-examination celebrations involving the presentation of lavish gifts to students on school grounds are prohibited with immediate effect.
The Service further warned that heads of schools who permit such activities on their campuses would face sanctions.
GES explained that schools are intended to serve as social equalisers, where merit and personal effort take precedence over economic status. It noted that public displays of wealth on school premises could create visible socio-economic divisions among students, shift attention away from academic achievement, and cause emotional distress to students whose families may be unable to afford similar celebrations.
The Service called on parents, guardians, and other stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring compliance with the directive.
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