A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Tema West Constituency, James Tamakloe, has criticised some parents for what he describes as poor parenting, following reports of expensive gifts, including cars, being presented to students after completing their Senior High School (SHS) examinations.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s Nkosuo Nsem, hosted by Kofi Sekyi, Mr. Tamakloe questioned the rationale behind rewarding students with luxury vehicles before the release of their examination results.
“Why would you buy a car for an SHS student who has only completed his or her exams without even knowing the outcome?” he asked, arguing that such gestures send the wrong message to young people.
His comments come in the wake of the Ministry of Education’s directive suspending all SHS graduation ceremonies nationwide over what it describes as increasing displays of wealth and extravagance during such events.
In a statement issued on June 20, 2026, the Ministry said graduation ceremonies should reflect the values of modesty, discipline and academic excellence rather than serve as platforms for ostentatious displays. It also condemned conduct by students, parents and other stakeholders that undermines the purpose of school ceremonies.
While agreeing that excessive displays of wealth should be discouraged, Mr. Tamakloe described the blanket ban on graduation ceremonies as harsh and excessive.
He urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education to adopt a more educative approach by sensitising students and parents on appropriate conduct during school celebrations instead of imposing a complete ban.
According to him, sustained public education and clear guidelines would be a more effective way of preventing future excesses while preserving the significance of graduation ceremonies.
By: Bernard Mensah |Planbfmonline.com
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