The Upper East Regional Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), Richard Akumbase, has expressed support for the Ghana Education Service’s (GES) decision to ban the presentation of extravagant gifts to students on school campuses.
His comments come after GES recently announced the ban following the circulation of a viral social media video showing a parent presenting a car and other expensive items to a graduating Senior High School student on school premises. The directive forms part of efforts by education authorities to maintain discipline and prevent unnecessary displays of affluence within schools.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Akumbase said the directive was a necessary step to prevent practices that could create feelings of inequality among students and parents during school events. According to him, public displays of expensive gifts, including vehicles, can have negative emotional and social consequences for families who may already be struggling financially.
He noted that such activities should not be encouraged within school premises, especially in environments where students, parents and guardians gather in large numbers. He argued that while some families may have the means to provide costly gifts, others may find it difficult to meet basic transportation expenses, making the situation potentially uncomfortable for many attendees.
“I think that the directive by the GES is right. This should not be allowed at the premises, especially where there is the glare of so many parents and their wards. One person is giving a car to his ward and then others are struggling to see how they can get lorry fare to get back to their home.”
Mr. Akumbase indicated that school authorities often have some level of oversight over activities organised on campus and can therefore play a role in preventing such displays. He said that although parents may choose to celebrate their children privately outside school grounds, schools should not become venues for the public exhibition of wealth.
“In most cases, organised activities take place with the approval of the head, and so what I think is that this must be avoided.”
Addressing suggestions that the practice is uncommon in northern Ghana, he warned that trends often spread quickly across regions, stressing that taking preventive action now would help avoid future pressure on parents who may feel compelled to match standards they cannot afford.
“Before you realize, it will get used in the North and all other parts of the country. There are some people who will be forced to find money where they cannot get it, so I think that if they stop it now, it’s better.”
Mr. Akumbase also supported the GES directive restricting graduation ceremonies in schools. He explained that the concern was not necessarily the ceremonies themselves but the activities and excesses that often accompany them.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
