The Ghana Education Service (GES) has begun enforcing the Ministry of Education’s directive banning graduation ceremonies in basic schools, reminding heads of schools to comply fully with the new policy aimed at reducing financial burdens on parents.
The directive affects graduation ceremonies organised for kindergarten, primary, and junior high school pupils in public basic schools. Education authorities say the policy seeks to eliminate unnecessary costs often associated with elaborate ceremonies, including special levies, expensive decorations, hired venues, entertainment, and graduation attire.
GES officials explained that schools are expected to mark pupils’ academic progression through modest internal recognition activities rather than large-scale events that require financial contributions from parents and guardians.
According to the Service, several complaints had been received from parents over the years regarding increasing graduation-related expenses, particularly at a time when many households continue to face economic difficulties.
Regional and district education directors have therefore been instructed to monitor schools closely to ensure full compliance with the directive. School heads who disregard the policy could face administrative sanctions.
While some parents have welcomed the move, describing it as timely and necessary, others believe modest graduation ceremonies provide important motivation and memorable experiences for pupils completing key stages of their education.
Education experts have also weighed in on the debate, suggesting that schools should instead focus on rewarding academic excellence, character development, and extracurricular achievements through low-cost recognition programmes that do not place financial pressure on families.
GES says the policy forms part of broader efforts to promote equity, affordability, and discipline within Ghana’s education system while ensuring that every child can celebrate academic progress regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
