The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) says the Ghana Education Service's (GES) directive suspending graduation ceremonies in pre-tertiary schools does not specifically extend to private schools.

The council issued the clarification following concerns among private school proprietors and parents after the GES and the Greater Accra Regional Education Directorate instructed public schools to suspend planned graduation ceremonies.

In a statement released on Friday, July 3, GNACOPS said its review of the directive and the applicable regulatory framework indicates that the instruction is directed at schools under the supervision of the GES and does not expressly prevent private schools from holding graduation or transition ceremonies.

It nonetheless advised private schools to organise such events in a modest and child-focused manner, in line with existing regulations, and to avoid unnecessary extravagance or lavish displays.

GNACOPS further expressed support for government's efforts to promote discipline and preserve educational values, while calling for closer engagement among stakeholders to ensure clear and consistent implementation of education policies across the sector.