The Ghana Education Service has directed heads of senior high and technical schools to stop turning away or refusing accommodation to duly admitted students solely because they report to school with metal trunks, wooden chop boxes, or other personal storage containers.
In a directive issued on September 18 and signed by Deputy Director-General, Prof. Smile Dzisi, the GES said it had received reports that some schools are turning away newly admitted students or refusing to accommodate them for bringing such items.
The GES 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.
"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," the directive stated.
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 container brought to school should be investigated and reported to Management.
The GES 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.
