The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed Heads of Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) to stop denying duly admitted students admission or boarding accommodation because of the type of trunk, chop box or personal storage container they bring to school.
The Service warned that Heads of Schools who violate the directive could face disciplinary action in accordance with applicable GES standards, regulations and laws.
The directive, contained in a letter dated September 18, 2026, and addressed to Regional Directors, instructs them to communicate the order to all Heads of Schools under their jurisdiction.
According to the GES, the directive follows reports that some schools have been turning away newly admitted students who arrive with metal trunks, wooden chop boxes and other forms of personal storage containers.
The Service said schools should not refuse admission or deny boarding accommodation to duly admitted students solely because they do not have a particular type or brand of storage container prescribed by the school.
GES explained that such requirements could place unnecessary financial pressure on parents and guardians who may not have the means to purchase the specific containers demanded by individual schools.
It stressed that students admitted to boarding accommodation must be treated fairly and accommodated regardless of their economic circumstances or their parents’ ability to purchase particular personal effects.
However, the Service clarified that the directive does not permit students to bring containers that pose a risk to others. It said storage containers must be reasonably sized and safe and must not endanger the health, safety or welfare of other students.
GES has consequently instructed Regional Directors to ensure that any reported case involving a duly admitted student being turned away or denied accommodation solely because of a trunk, chop box or other storage container is investigated and reported to Management.
The directive is intended to ensure that personal storage requirements do not become a barrier to admission or boarding accommodation for students who have already been duly placed in schools.
