The Ghana Education Service (GES) has instructed all senior high schools to comply immediately with a provision in its Code of Conduct that prohibits students from carrying out household chores at the bungalows of teachers and headteachers. The directive, issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, comes after concerns over student welfare and reports of the practice persisting despite existing rules.
GES Director‑General Professor Ernest Kofi Davis explained the ban in an interview with JoyNews’ Naa Dedei Tettey. He noted that Section 3.7 V of the Code of Conduct explicitly states that students are not to be asked to engage in household chores. “We are going to write to schools to make sure that it doesn’t happen because in our code of conduct, section 3.7 V, it is written that the students are not expected to be asked to engage in household chores,” Davis said.
Davis added that the directive would be sent to all regional directors by Friday, October 23, 2026, and that the staff must familiarize themselves with the Code of Conduct and cease inviting students to perform chores at schools. He said the move was prompted by growing concerns about student welfare, especially after the Obuasi SHTS sexual abuse allegations.
While the Code of Conduct has long prohibited the practice, enforcement has been inconsistent. GES is now taking a stronger stance to ensure that the rule is upheld across all schools under its jurisdiction.
Regional directors will receive the directive and are responsible for ensuring compliance at the school level. The Service has stressed that the practice is not acceptable and that staff must be reminded of the Code of Conduct’s provisions.
Students and parents can expect a clearer policy environment moving forward, with GES pledging to monitor adherence and address any violations promptly.
