Private schools not covered by GES graduation ban, says GNACOPS
The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) has stated that the recent Ghana Education Service (GES) directive suspending graduation ceremonies and banning extravagant post-examination celebrations in pre-tertiary schools does not explicitly apply to privately owned schools.
In a statement issued on July 3, the Council said it had received several enquiries from private school proprietors, administrators, parents and other stakeholders seeking clarification on whether the GES directive also covered the private education sector.
The uncertainty followed a directive from the GES and a subsequent instruction from the Greater Accra Regional Education Directorate directing schools under its authority to suspend all planned graduation ceremonies.
After reviewing the directives alongside the legal framework governing pre-tertiary education and established principles of administrative law, GNACOPS concluded that the instructions were intended for institutions operating under the direct supervision and administrative control of the GES.
According to the Council, the wording of the directives does not expressly include privately owned pre-tertiary schools, meaning they are not currently bound by the suspension of graduation ceremonies.
GNACOPS emphasised, however, that its interpretation should not be seen as resistance to the government’s policy objectives. It said it fully supports the Ministry of Education’s efforts to promote discipline, modesty, responsible behaviour and the core values that underpin Ghana’s education system.
The Council noted that discouraging excessive displays of wealth, unhealthy social competition and practices that undermine the dignity of education is a legitimate policy goal deserving of support from all educational institutions.
It further explained that administrative directives generally apply only to institutions and bodies that fall within the statutory authority of the issuing agency. Since the current GES directives do not specifically extend to private schools, they do not prohibit those institutions from organising graduation or transition ceremonies in accordance with existing regulations.
GNACOPS described private schools as key partners in Ghana’s pre-tertiary education sector, adding that graduation and transition ceremonies have traditionally served broader educational purposes beyond recognising academic achievement.
According to the Council, such events also celebrate leadership, discipline, creativity, innovation, character development, community service and learners’ progression to the next stage of their education, while strengthening relationships between schools and parents.
Despite its position, GNACOPS urged private schools to organise graduation events responsibly and in line with the highest standards of professionalism.
It advised schools to ensure ceremonies prioritise child protection, learner welfare, parental involvement, inclusiveness, modesty, dignity, academic integrity, proper supervision and compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements.
The Council also warned against extravagance, commercialisation, excessive displays of wealth, political activities and any conduct that could undermine the integrity of educational celebrations.
It stressed that graduation ceremonies should remain meaningful educational occasions that recognise students’ achievements rather than becoming platforms for social competition or material display.
GNACOPS reaffirmed its willingness to collaborate with the GES, the National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA), the National Teaching Council (NTC) and other stakeholders to develop clear national policies that uphold discipline while recognising the diversity of Ghana’s education system.
The Council concluded that private schools may continue to hold graduation and transition ceremonies under their own institutional policies and traditions, provided the events are conducted responsibly, modestly and in full compliance with applicable regulations.
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