GES bans teachers from selling food and conducting private business on school campuses during school hours

The Central Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service has issued a strong directive prohibiting teachers and other staff of Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) from engaging in unauthorized private commercial activities on school premises during official working hours.

The directive, contained in a circular dated July 5, 2026, follows what the Directorate described as credible reports indicating that some staff members in second-cycle institutions across the region are involved in trading activities, private financial transactions with students, and the sale of food and other items on school campuses.

According to the Regional Directorate, the reported activities include the sale of food, beverages, groceries, and other commodities during instructional hours, as well as the conduct of private business transactions with students. Some staff were also reported to be selling items to students in dormitories during late-night hours.

The Directorate stated that such practices are inconsistent with the professional and ethical standards expected of Ghana Education Service personnel.

It noted that these activities compromise the educational environment, undermine discipline, interfere with teaching and learning, and violate provisions of the GES Code of Conduct.

The circular specifically referenced Section 3.5 of the GES Code of Conduct, which prohibits teachers from engaging in private commercial activities during official working hours.

Under the code:

• Teachers are not permitted to trade or conduct private financial transactions on school premises during school hours.

• Teachers may not undertake unofficial duties or activities during working hours without authorization from the head of the institution.

As a result, the Directorate emphasized that no teacher or staff member should engage in the sale of food, groceries, beverages, or any other commodities on school campuses during official working hours.

To ensure compliance, Heads of SHSs and SHTSs have been directed to:

1. Communicate the contents of the circular to all staff members.

2. Ensure the immediate cessation of unauthorized commercial activities on school premises.

3. Monitor compliance and implement supervisory measures to prevent future violations.

4. Take appropriate administrative action against staff who fail to comply with the directive.

The Directorate described the circular as a final caution to all staff involved in unauthorized commercial activities on school campuses.

It warned that any teacher or staff member who continues to engage in such practices after the issuance of the directive will face disciplinary action in accordance with the Ghana Education Service Code of Conduct.

The Regional Directorate has also tasked Metropolitan, Municipal and District Directors of Education (MMDDEs) within the Central Region with providing close supervisory oversight to ensure strict implementation of the directive across all second-cycle institutions.