The Ghana Education Service 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 the holidays—scheduled for March 20 and 23, and April 3 and 6 respectively—are recognised national festivities and must be duly observed.

"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.

Provisions for boarding students

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.

Implementation directives

Regional directors have been tasked with communicating the directive to all heads of schools within their jurisdictions through metro, municipal, and district directors. They are also required to ensure that the necessary measures are put in place for the safe accommodation, feeding, and supervision of boarding students who decide to stay on campus.

"Regional Directors are therefore requested to communicate this directive to all Heads of Schools within their jurisdictions through Metro/Municipal/District Directors and ensure that the necessary measures are put in place for the safe accommodation, feeding and supervision of boarding students who decide to stay on campus during the period," the circular stated.

The GES expressed appreciation for cooperation in ensuring the smooth implementation of the directive.

The Eid-ul-Fitr holiday marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, observed by Muslims, while Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ for Christians. Both are recognised as statutory public holidays in Ghana.