GES bans SHSs from denying boarding students accommodation over trunks, chop boxes

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has ordered Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) to stop denying duly admitted boarding students accommodation because of the type of storage containers they bring to school.

The directive comes after reports that some schools had turned away newly admitted students or refused to accommodate them because they arrived with metal trunks, wooden chop boxes or other personal storage containers that did not conform to the schools' preferred types.

In a letter dated September 18, 2026, and addressed to Regional Directors, the GES said such practices could place unnecessary financial pressure on parents and guardians, particularly those who may not be able to afford alternative storage containers.

“Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has received reports that some Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools (SHS/STSs) are turning away newly admitted students and refusing to accommodate them because they report to school with metal trunks, wooden chop boxes or other personal storage containers,” the Service said.

The GES stressed that students who have been duly admitted for boarding accommodation must be treated fairly, regardless of their economic circumstances or their parents' and guardians' ability to purchase specific brands or types of personal effects.

Regional Directors have consequently been tasked with ensuring that heads of schools do not turn away, refuse admission to, or deny accommodation to duly admitted students solely on the basis of the type of trunk, chop box or other personal storage container they bring to school.

The Service, however, clarified that the storage containers must be reasonably sized and safe, and should not create any risk to the health, safety or welfare of other students.

It further directed that all reported cases involving duly admitted students being denied accommodation or turned away solely because of their storage containers must be investigated and brought to the attention of Management.

The GES warned heads of SHSs and SHTSs against violating the directive, noting that those who fail to comply will face the applicable standards, regulations and laws governing the Service.