The Ghana National Council of Private Schools, (GNACOPS), has clarified that the Ghana Education Service’s directive suspending graduation ceremonies in pre-tertiary schools does not expressly apply to privately owned schools.
The clarification follows widespread uncertainty among private school proprietors and parents after the Ghana Education Service and the Greater Accra Regional Education Directorate directed public schools to suspend planned graduation ceremonies.
In a statement issued on Friday July 3, GNACOPS explained that, after examining the legal and administrative framework governing the directive, it concluded that the instruction is intended for institutions under the direct supervision of the Ghana Education Service and does not expressly prohibit private schools from organising graduation or transition ceremonies.
The Council, however, urged member schools to ensure such events are modest, child centred and fully compliant with regulatory standards, while avoiding extravagance and excessive displays of wealth.
GNACOPS also reaffirmed its support for government’s efforts to strengthen discipline and uphold educational values, while calling for continued collaboration between education stakeholders to ensure regulatory clarity across the sector.
