The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) has clarified that the Ghana Education Service’s (GES) directive suspending graduation ceremonies in pre-tertiary schools does not extend to privately owned educational institutions.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 3, GNACOPS said it had received numerous enquiries from proprietors, school leaders and parents seeking clarification following the GES directive and a subsequent instruction by the Greater Accra Regional Education Directorate suspending planned graduation ceremonies in public schools.
The Council said its review of the directive and the applicable legal framework indicates that the administrative instruction is intended for schools under the direct supervision and management of the Ghana Education Service.
According to GNACOPS, the directive does not expressly prohibit private pre-tertiary schools from organising graduation or transition ceremonies conducted in accordance with existing regulatory standards.
The Council stressed that it fully supports the government’s efforts to promote discipline, modesty and responsible conduct in schools, stating that the objective of discouraging extravagance and unhealthy competition among students is a legitimate policy that deserves support.
However, it maintained that administrative directives can only apply within the jurisdiction of the issuing authority unless legislation expressly extends their scope.
“Private schools may therefore continue to organise graduation and transition ceremonies in accordance with their institutional policies and educational traditions, provided such ceremonies are conducted responsibly, modestly and in full compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements,” the statement said.
GNACOPS noted that graduation ceremonies in private schools serve important educational purposes, including recognising academic achievement, promoting leadership and character development, strengthening partnerships between schools and parents, and motivating learners.
The Council, however, advised its member schools to ensure that all ceremonies adhere to child protection standards, safeguard learner welfare, promote inclusiveness and academic integrity, and avoid extravagance, commercialisation or excessive displays of wealth.
It also called for zero tolerance towards partisan political activities or any conduct capable of undermining the dignity of education.
GNACOPS reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA), the National Teaching Council (NTC) and other stakeholders to develop policies that strengthen discipline while recognising the distinct governance frameworks of both public and private schools.
The Council concluded that while it supports efforts to preserve educational values, the current GES directive, as worded, does not legally apply to privately owned pre-tertiary educational institutions.
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