The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, to suspend all Senior High School graduation ceremonies nationwide with immediate effect.
A statement signed and issued by the Press Secretary to the Minister, Hashmin Mohammed, on Saturday, June 20, 2026, said the directive follows the excessive display of wealth and flamboyance which does not “reflect the values of modesty, dignity, and respect associated with the educational environment.”
According to the statement, “schools are institutions for learning, character development, discipline, and the nurturing of responsible citizens” and not to display affluence.
It added that graduation ceremonies are meant to “celebrate academic achievement and personal growth” and should therefore reflect the values upon which educational institutions are established.
“The Ministry strongly condemns any conduct by students, parents, guardians, or other stakeholders that promotes extravagance and detracts from the true purpose of school ceremonies,” portions of the statement added.
It explained that there will be a stakeholder review of existing guidelines for such celebration.
“Consequently, the Honourable Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to suspend all Senior High School graduation ceremonies nationwide with immediate effect, pending a review of existing guidelines governing such events.”
It assured the public of the Ministry’s commitment to “ensuring that all school activities uphold the highest standards of discipline, responsibility, and moral development, in line with the objectives of Ghana’s education system.”
GES bans ‘flamboyant celebrations’ on campuses after completion of SHS
