Private Schools in Ghana Allowed to Hold Graduation Ceremonies

The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) has issued a statement clarifying that the recent directives by the Ghana Education Service (GES) suspending graduation ceremonies do not apply to private schools. The directives were issued due to concerns over 'excessive displays of wealth' and 'unhealthy social competition' in pre-tertiary schools.

According to GNACOPS, the directives were not addressed to private schools, but rather to institutions operating under the direct administrative management and supervisory authority of the GES. This means that private schools are not bound by the suspension of graduation ceremonies.

However, GNACOPS has advised private schools to still hold graduation ceremonies responsibly and in compliance with regulatory requirements. The council has also stressed the importance of modesty, dignity, and inclusiveness in organizing such events.

The statement by GNACOPS comes after the GES directed public schools to suspend all planned graduation ceremonies. The directive was further reinforced by the Greater Accra Regional Education Directorate, which ordered schools under its jurisdiction to suspend graduation ceremonies.

But private schools, according to GNACOPS, are not bound by these directives. The council argues that private schools are an important partner in Ghana's pre-tertiary education system and have traditionally held graduation ceremonies to celebrate achievement and progress.

GNACOPS has therefore advised private school proprietors, leaders, and parents to exercise the highest standards of institutional responsibility in organizing graduation ceremonies. The council has stressed that such events should be guided by child protection principles, learner welfare, parental engagement, modesty, dignity, inclusiveness, academic integrity, effective supervision, and compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.

The council has also cautioned against extravagance, excessive displays of wealth, commercial exploitation, partisan political activity, and any conduct likely to diminish the dignity of education. GNACOPS said graduation ceremonies must remain educational events that celebrate achievement rather than occasions for social competition or material exhibition.

'Graduation ceremonies must be held responsibly and in compliance with regulatory requirements. They are not occasions for social competition or material exhibition.'

GNACOPS has concluded that private schools may continue to organize graduation and transition ceremonies in accordance with their institutional policies and educational traditions. The council said it is ready to work with the GES, NaSIA, NTC, and other stakeholders to support the development of coherent national policies that preserve discipline while recognizing the diversity of Ghana's education system.

A private school graduate in a photo

According to GNACOPS, private schools are an important partner in Ghana's pre-tertiary education system. They have traditionally held graduation ceremonies to celebrate achievement and progress.

Private Schools in Ghana May Continue to Hold

Graduation Ceremonies Responsibly The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) has clarified that private schools in Ghana are not bound by the directives of the Ghana Education Service (GES) suspending graduation ceremonies. Private schools may continue to organize graduation and transition ceremonies in accordance with their institutional policies and educational traditions, as long as they are held responsibly and in compliance with regulatory requirements.