The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) not to turn away newly admitted boarding students simply because they report to school with metal trunks, wooden chop boxes or other personal storage containers.
Management of the GES said it has received reports that some schools are refusing to accommodate duly admitted students because of the type of storage containers they bring to school.
According to the Service, such practices could place an unnecessary financial burden on parents and guardians, particularly families who may not be able to afford alternative storage containers prescribed by individual schools.
GES Directs Schools to Treat Students Fairly
The Ghana Education Service has stressed that all students admitted to boarding accommodation should be treated fairly and should not face discrimination based on their economic circumstances or their parents’ or guardians’ ability to purchase specific brands or types of personal effects.
Regional Directors have therefore been instructed to inform all Heads of SHS and SHTS to comply with the directive.
Schools have been told not to turn away, refuse admission or deny boarding accommodation to a duly admitted student solely because of the type of trunk, chop box or personal storage container brought to school.
However, the GES noted that such items must be reasonably sized, safe and free from risks to the health, safety or welfare of other students.
GES to Investigate Reported Cases
The Service has directed that any reported case involving a duly admitted student being denied boarding accommodation or turned away solely because of the type of storage container brought to school must be investigated and reported to GES Management.
The directive is intended to promote fairness, student welfare and equal access to boarding accommodation across Ghanaian Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools.
Heads of Schools Face Sanctions for Non-Compliance
The GES has warned that any Head of SHS or SHTS who fails to comply with the directive could face appropriate action in accordance with the applicable GES standards, regulations and laws.
The Service has called on Regional Directors and school authorities to cooperate in implementing the directive and ensuring that newly admitted boarding students are not disadvantaged because of their choice or ability to purchase particular personal storage items.
Source: newsthemegh.com