GES has banned cars, money bouquets and expensive graduation gifts on SHS campuses. Learn why the directive promotes equity and inclusion in Ghanaian schools.
GES Ban on WASSCE Graduation Gifts 2026: Why SHS Campuses Cannot Host Lavish Celebrations
Last Updated: June 19, 2026
By: Ferdinand Ellis | EducateGhana.com
Author Authority: Education Blogger | Curriculum Specialist | Researcher | Education Policy Analyst
Introduction: GES Moves to Protect Equity in SHS Graduation Celebrations
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has introduced a strict directive prohibiting the display and presentation of extravagant gifts to students during post-WASSCE celebrations held on Senior High School (SHS) campuses.
The directive specifically targets public presentations of luxury gifts such as motor vehicles, large cash gifts, money bouquets and other expensive items presented to students immediately after completing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
According to GES, academic success should be celebrated, but schools must remain environments where achievement is associated with dedication, discipline and hard work rather than financial privilege.
The policy comes amid growing public discussions about the increasing visibility of expensive graduation gifts shared on social media, where some students receive cars, large amounts of money and other luxury items after completing their secondary education.
While many parents view such gifts as expressions of love and appreciation, GES believes that excessive public displays of wealth within school environments may undermine the principles of fairness, inclusion and equal opportunity that guide public education.
➡ Related: WASSCE 2026 Complete Guide for Candidates and Parents
➡ Related: Ghana Education Service Policies Affecting SHS Students
GES Announces Ban on Lavish Graduation Gifts at SHS Campuses
In a directive issued by the Ghana Education Service and signed by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations at GES, all Senior High Schools were instructed to prevent extravagant gift presentations and celebrations on school premises.
The directive does not prohibit parents from rewarding their children for academic achievement. Instead, it focuses on the location and nature of such celebrations, particularly activities organised within school compounds.
GES explained that schools must maintain a learning environment where every student feels respected and valued regardless of family income or social background.
The Service noted that while academic accomplishments deserve recognition, celebrations should not create situations where some students appear more successful because of the financial capacity of their families.
Schools have therefore been directed to ensure that graduation-related activities uphold the values of: Equity, Discipline, Respect, Inclusiveness, and Academic excellence.
➡ Related: Free SHS Programme in Ghana: Achievements, Challenges and Future Direction
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What Gifts and Celebrations Are Prohibited Under the GES Directive?
The GES directive applies specifically to extravagant displays of wealth during school-based celebrations.
The prohibited activities include:
| Prohibited Activity | Education Concern |
|---|---|
| Presentation of cars and motor vehicles | May create visible economic differences among students |
| Large cash gifts | May shift attention from academic achievement to wealth |
| Money bouquets | Can promote unhealthy competition |
| Public displays of expensive items | May create feelings of exclusion among learners |
| Celebrations focused on financial status | May weaken the values schools promote |
The directive applies to all Senior High Schools under the Ghana Education Service.
School authorities are expected to communicate the policy clearly to parents, students and other stakeholders to ensure compliance.
Why GES Is Concerned About Expensive Gifts in Schools
The decision by GES reflects wider concerns about the relationship between education and social inequality.
Schools are not only places where learners acquire academic knowledge. They are also institutions where young people develop values, relationships and perceptions about themselves and others.
When expensive gifts become highly visible within school environments, there is a possibility that academic achievement may become associated with economic background.
GES has identified several concerns:
1. Creating Social Differences Among Students
Public schools bring together learners from different economic backgrounds.
Some students come from financially stable homes, while others face significant economic challenges.
When graduation celebrations become centred on luxury gifts, some learners may feel that their achievements are less valued because their families cannot provide similar rewards.
2. Shifting Attention Away From Academic Achievement
Education systems encourage students to value: Hard work, Commitment, KnowledgPersonal growth
However, excessive displays of wealth may unintentionally shift attention from academic accomplishment to material possessions.
A student who receives a vehicle may receive more public attention than another student who achieved excellent academic results through personal effort.
3. Reducing Unhealthy Pressure Among Parents
Social media has contributed to increasing visibility of graduation celebrations.
Parents may feel pressured to organise increasingly expensive celebrations because they compare their children’s achievements with others.
This can create unnecessary financial pressure and competition among families.
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The Educational Meaning of Equity and Inclusion in Ghanaian Schools
The GES directive raises an important educational principle: schools must remain spaces where every learner has an equal sense of belonging.
Equity in education does not mean that all students have identical experiences outside school. Families will always differ in their economic circumstances.
However, schools have a responsibility to ensure that these differences do not determine how learners are valued within educational spaces.
An inclusive school environment recognises students based on:
Effort
Character
Achievement
Improvement
Contribution to the school community
rather than the wealth of their families.
From a curriculum and educational perspective, schools teach both academic content and social values. The way schools organise celebrations therefore communicates important lessons about what society considers valuable.
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What Parents and Guardians Can Still Do After WASSCE 2026
The GES directive does not prevent parents and guardians from celebrating their children’s achievements.
Families remain free to organise celebrations outside school premises, including:
Homes
Churches
Community centres
Private event venues
Parents may also present gifts to their children privately.
The main concern of GES is that public school environments should not become places where economic differences are displayed in ways that may affect learner confidence and social relationships.
Parents can celebrate academic success by focusing on meaningful rewards such as:
Educational support
Career guidance
Books and learning resources
Personal development opportunities
What the Directive Means for WASSCE 2026 Candidates
For students completing the 2026 WASSCE, the directive means that schools will no longer permit extravagant gift presentations on campus after examinations.
Students can still celebrate completing their secondary education, but celebrations organised within school premises must align with GES expectations.
The policy does not reduce the importance of student achievement. Instead, it encourages schools and families to recognise success in ways that promote dignity and inclusion.
For many students, completing SHS represents years of effort, sacrifice and determination. Celebrating that achievement remains important, but the manner of celebration must support the values schools seek to develop.
➡ Related: WASSCE Results Checking Guide 2026
➡ Related: Career Opportunities After Senior High School in Ghana
School Heads Face Responsibility for Enforcing the Directive
GES has warned that school heads who allow prohibited activities on their campuses may face administrative sanctions.
School leaders are responsible for maintaining discipline and ensuring that school policies reflect national education standards.
They are expected to:
Inform parents and students about the directive
Monitor graduation activities
Prevent prohibited displays
Promote inclusive celebrations
The responsibility of school leaders extends beyond academic management. They also shape the culture and values of the school environment.
Broader Implications for Ghana’s Education System
The debate surrounding graduation gifts reflects wider questions about the purpose of education.
Education is not only about academic achievement. It is also about developing responsible citizens who understand fairness, respect and social responsibility.
The GES directive highlights the need for education stakeholders to balance:
Recognition of achievement
Respect for family choices
Protection of learner dignity
Promotion of equality
As Ghana continues to improve access to education through programmes such as Free SHS, maintaining inclusive school environments becomes increasingly important.
Schools must ensure that every learner feels that success is achievable regardless of economic background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did GES ban expensive graduation gifts at SHS campuses?
GES introduced the directive to prevent celebrations that may create social inequality and unhealthy competition among students.
Are parents prohibited from giving gifts to WASSCE graduates?
No. Parents may still reward their children, but extravagant public displays on SHS campuses are prohibited.
Are all SHS graduation celebrations banned?
No. The directive focuses on expensive gift presentations and celebrations that promote displays of wealth.
Can students celebrate after completing WASSCE?
Yes. Students can celebrate, provided the celebrations comply with GES guidelines.
Why does GES consider equity important in schools?
Schools serve students from different backgrounds. Maintaining equity helps ensure that every learner feels respected and valued.
Will school heads face punishment for ignoring the directive?
Yes. School heads who allow prohibited activities on their campuses may face disciplinary action.
Conclusion: GES Seeks to Protect the Educational Values of SHS Campuses
The Ghana Education Service directive banning extravagant post-WASSCE graduation gifts on SHS campuses represents an attempt to preserve fairness, inclusion and the educational values that schools are expected to promote.
Academic achievement should remain the central focus of graduation celebrations. While families have the right to appreciate their children’s efforts, schools must continue to provide environments where every learner feels recognised regardless of economic background.
The success of this policy will depend on cooperation among school leaders, parents, students and communities. When celebrations reflect achievement, discipline and personal growth rather than financial status, schools can continue to serve as spaces where all learners feel valued.
Source
Ghana Education Service (GES) Directive on Post-WASSCE Graduation Celebrations
About the Author
Ferdinand Ellis is an education blogger, curriculum specialist, researcher and education policy analyst. His work focuses on Ghana’s education system, teacher education, curriculum development, assessment reforms and education policy analysis.
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