The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed Regional Directors to stop Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools from turning away newly admitted students or refusing them accommodation because they report with metal trunks, wooden chop boxes or other personal storage containers.
In a circular dated September 18, 2026, and signed by Prof. Smile Dzisi (Mrs.), Deputy Director-General (Management Services) on behalf of the Director-General, GES said it had received reports of such practices in some schools.
The Service noted that these practices may impose unnecessary financial burdens on parents and guardians who may be unable to afford alternative storage containers prescribed by individual schools.
GES stressed that all students admitted to boarding accommodation should be treated fairly and accommodated without discrimination based on their economic circumstances or the ability of their parents or guardians to purchase particular brands or types of personal effects.
Regional Directors have been requested to inform all Heads of Schools to desist from turning away, refusing admission or denying accommodation to duly admitted students solely on the basis of the type of trunk, chop box or personal storage container they bring to school, provided the item is reasonably sized, safe and does not pose a risk to the health, safety or welfare of other students.
Any reported case of a duly admitted student being denied accommodation or turned away solely because of the type of trunk, chop box or personal storage container brought to school should be investigated and reported to Management.
The circular warned that any Head of SHS/SHTS who flouts the directive shall be dealt with in accordance with the applicable standards, regulations and laws of the Service.
Management expressed confidence in the usual cooperation and support of Regional Directors.
