GES Cautions HeadMasters, Directs SHS to Accommodate Students With Metal Trunks, Wooden Chop Boxes

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) not to turn away duly admitted boarding students because they report to school with metal trunks, wooden chop boxes or other personal storage containers.

In a directive dated September 18, 2026, GES said it had received reports that some schools were refusing to accommodate newly admitted students who did not have storage containers prescribed by the schools.

The Service said such practices could place unnecessary financial pressure on parents and guardians who may not be able to afford specific types or brands of storage containers.

GES 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’ ability to purchase particular personal effects.

Regional Directors have therefore been instructed to inform heads of schools to stop denying admission or accommodation to duly admitted students solely because of the type of trunk, chop box or storage container they bring to school.

However, GES stated that the items should be reasonably sized, safe and should not pose a risk to the health, safety or welfare of other students.

The Service further directed that reported cases involving students being denied accommodation solely because of their storage containers should be investigated and reported to Management.

Heads of SHS/SHTS who breach the directive will be dealt with in accordance with applicable GES standards, regulations and laws.