GES has no mandate to ban private school graduations – Ghanaian private schools set the record straight

The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) has declared that private schools across the country will proceed with their graduation ceremonies despite a directive by the Greater Accra Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) prohibiting such events.

GNACOPS Executive Director, Enoch Gyetuah, argued that the GES does not have the legal authority to issue administrative directives to private schools, insisting that private educational institutions are not under the direct control of the service.

His comments follow the GES directive banning graduation ceremonies, prom nights and related events in both public and private schools within the Greater Accra Region. The regional education authority said the measure was introduced to promote discipline, ensure equity, strengthen child protection and reduce the financial burden placed on parents and guardians.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Mr Gyetuah maintained that the directive does not apply to private schools.

“As we speak, private schools are successfully holding their graduation ceremonies in a peaceful environment and in line with guidelines issued by the council,” he said.

He further argued that under the Pre-Tertiary Education Act, 2020 (Act 1049), the Ghana Education Service’s role is largely limited to implementing policies within the public education system and does not extend to regulating the administration of private schools.

“It is not a matter of defying the directive. The issue is that the GES does not have the legal mandate over private schools,” he stated. “No institution should extend its authority beyond the jurisdiction granted by law.”

Mr Gyetuah disclosed that GNACOPS submitted its response to the Ministry of Education shortly after the directive was announced and said the council has yet to receive any further clarification or contrary instruction.

“We communicated our position to the ministry, and since July 3, we have not received any additional directive or clarification,” he explained.

According to him, private schools have continued organising graduation ceremonies in compliance with GNACOPS guidelines, which include measures on parental consultation, learner welfare, child safeguarding and institutional accountability.

“Private schools held graduation ceremonies last week, and many more are taking place this week,” he said. “All these activities are being conducted in accordance with the council’s established guidelines.”

Mr Gyetuah also cautioned the GES against what he described as an overreach of its administrative powers, warning that such actions amount to an abuse of authority.

“When an institution acts outside its legal mandate, it becomes an abuse of power, and we will not accept that,” he stressed.

The Ghana Education Service has maintained that the ban is aimed at preventing activities that could compromise discipline, child protection and place unnecessary financial pressure on families.