The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a directive to all regional directors, instructing schools across the country to observe the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr and Easter holidays as mandated statutory public holidays. In a circular dated March 17, 2026, and signed by Professor Smile Dzisi, Acting Deputy Director-General for Management Services, the GES reminded school authorities that these holidays—scheduled for March 20 and 23, and April 3 and 6, respectively—are recognised national festivities that must be observed accordingly.
“Management of the Ghana Education Service wishes to remind all Regional Directors that the Eid-ul-Fitr and Easter holidays, which dates are 20th and 23rd March, and 3rd and 6th April, respectively, are recognised statutory holidays in Ghana and must therefore be duly observed by all schools across the country,” the circular stated.
The directive, addressed to all regional directors, requires schools to comply with the public holiday arrangements to enable both staff and students to appropriately observe these important national and religious festivities.
Recognising that some students in boarding facilities may choose not to travel home during the holiday period, the GES has made provisions for their accommodation and care.
“However, Management also acknowledges that some students in boarding facilities may choose not to travel home during the holiday period. In such cases, schools are permitted to allow these students to remain on campus,” the circular explained.
School heads are required to make appropriate arrangements to ensure the welfare and supervision of students who opt to stay on campus during the holidays.
“Appropriate arrangements are to be made by school heads to ensure their welfare and supervision during this period,” the directive added.
The Ghana Education Service has tasked Regional Directors with cascading its directive on Eid and Easter holidays to all school heads via metro, municipal, and district directors. Beyond communication, they must guarantee safe accommodation, feeding, and supervision for boarding students who choose to stay on campus.
In its circular, the Service underscored the importance of smooth implementation and expressed gratitude for stakeholder cooperation. The directive highlights the dual significance of Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the close of Ramadan, and Easter, celebrating Christ’s resurrection—both enshrined as statutory public holidays in Ghana.
Source: GraphicOnline
