Economist and educationist Professor Peter Quartey has criticised the Ghana Education Service’s (GES) decision to ban graduation ceremonies and related activities in pre-tertiary schools, describing the directive as a “knee-jerk reaction” that unfairly punishes schools instead of addressing the excesses that prompted the move.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Prof. Quartey said the GES failed to engage key stakeholders, particularly private school operators and their associations, before announcing the policy. He noted that the lack of consultation was disappointing given the significant impact the decision would have on schools, parents and pupils.
He also questioned the wording of the directive, arguing that the phrase “related activities” is too broad and could unintentionally affect long-standing traditions such as speech and prize-giving ceremonies, which celebrate academic excellence and recognise outstanding students and teachers.
Rather than imposing a blanket ban, Prof. Quartey called on the GES to develop clear policy guidelines that regulate how graduation ceremonies should be organised. He suggested setting standards on issues such as event duration, costs charged to parents and the nature of activities, instead of eliminating the ceremonies altogether.