The President of the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PTTAG), King Ali Awudu, has commended the Ghana Education Service (GES) for its decision to suspend graduation ceremonies and ban gift presentations in schools, describing the move as timely and necessary.
Speaking to Adom News, Mr. Awudu praised the measures aimed at promoting discipline and reducing the growing culture of extravagance in educational institutions.
According to him, school celebrations in recent years have become increasingly expensive, placing unnecessary financial pressure on many parents and guardians.
He, however, called on the government to extend the suspension of graduation ceremonies to private schools to ensure fairness and consistency across the education sector.
“Many parents are compelled to spend beyond their means to meet the demands associated with graduation ceremonies and related celebrations. This has become a significant burden on families, especially in the current economic climate,” he stated.
Mr. Awudu argued that while the GES directive currently affects public schools, similar activities in private institutions could undermine the broader objective of reducing excessive spending and promoting modesty in school celebrations.
He noted that education should focus primarily on academic achievement, character development, and the welfare of students rather than elaborate ceremonies that often come with high costs.
The teacher union leader expressed hope that the government’s ongoing review of school celebrations would result in comprehensive guidelines that apply to both public and private schools, ensuring that recognition of students’ achievements remains meaningful, affordable, and accessible to all.
His comments add to the growing national conversation surrounding school celebrations, with many education stakeholders backing efforts to reduce financial burdens on parents while preserving the values of discipline, equality, and academic excellence in Ghana’s schools.
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