GES Warns SHSs Against Turning Away Students Over Trunks and Chop Boxes

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) not to deny duly admitted boarding students accommodation because of the type of trunks, chop boxes or other storage containers they bring to school.

The directive comes after concerns that some schools were insisting on particular types or sizes of trunks and chop boxes, leaving some parents struggling to meet those requirements before their children could be accepted into boarding.

In a statement issued on Friday, September 18, the GES said students should not be subjected to unnecessary financial pressure over the storage items they bring to school.

Schools asked to treat students fairly

The Service said once a student has been officially admitted as a boarder, the student should not be turned away simply because their trunk or chop box does not meet a school’s preferred specifications.

Regional Directors have consequently been asked to ensure that heads of SHSs and SHTSs are made aware of the directive and comply with it.

The GES said the move is also intended to prevent situations where parents are forced to spend extra money buying new storage containers when the ones, they already have are suitable for use.

Safety requirements still apply

However, the directive does not mean schools must accept storage items that could create problems within the boarding house.

The GES explained that trunks, chop boxes and other containers should be of a reasonable size and should not pose any health, safety or welfare concerns to students.

Schools can therefore continue to enforce reasonable requirements where necessary to ensure that boarding facilities are properly managed.

Schools to report violations

The GES has also instructed schools to investigate complaints involving students who are denied boarding accommodation because of their storage containers.

Where such cases occur, the schools are expected to report them to GES Management for the necessary action.

The Service further warned that heads of schools who fail to comply with the directive could face action under the relevant rules and regulations governing the Ghana Education Service.

The directive is expected to ease some of the pressure on parents as students begin reporting to their respective schools, while ensuring that boarding students are not unfairly treated over personal storage items.