Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that the Ghana Education Service’s directive against extravagant graduation and promotional ceremonies will now apply to all schools across the country.
The Minister said the decision is intended to protect parents from unnecessary financial burdens and ensure that school celebrations remain modest, inclusive, and focused on academic achievement rather than display and extravagance.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement, Haruna Iddrisu noted that concerns had been raised about the growing trend of schools imposing high costs on parents through elaborate graduation ceremonies, expensive attire, decorations, and entertainment packages.
According to him, education should not become a source of financial pressure for families.
“No child should be denied participation in a school event because their parents cannot afford expensive graduation fees, special costumes or other charges associated with these ceremonies.”
The Minister explained that while schools may organise ceremonies to celebrate the academic progress of learners, such events must be conducted simply and affordably.
“We are extending this directive to all schools. Graduation ceremonies should be modest and should not become avenues for imposing additional costs on parents and guardians.”
Haruna Iddrisu stressed that the primary responsibility of schools is to provide quality education and not to organise lavish events that place undue pressure on households.
He therefore directed school authorities to comply fully with the policy and ensure that celebrations remain within reasonable limits.
“The focus must remain on teaching and learning. We should not commercialise school ceremonies at the expense of parents.”
The Minister further urged heads of schools, teachers, Parent-Teacher Associations, and school proprietors to support the implementation of the directive in the interest of students and their families.
Education stakeholders have largely welcomed the directive, describing it as a step towards making school activities more inclusive and reducing financial pressure on parents.
The Ministry believes the measure will help restore the true purpose of graduation ceremonies while ensuring that no learner feels excluded because of economic circumstances.
Haruna Iddrisu reiterated that schools found flouting the directive would face the appropriate sanctions from education authorities.
“Education must be accessible and affordable. We must not create situations where parents feel compelled to spend beyond their means simply because their children are participating in school ceremonies.”
