Frustrated parents are taking to social media to express their outrage over the hijacking of Ghana's beloved end-of-term "Our Day" tradition. The once-spontaneous and heart-driven show of gratitude to educators has turned into financial extortion, with teachers allegedly soliciting direct payments and expensive gifts from parents.
A Tradition Hijacked
Basic schools across the country have officially ended the term on Thursday, July 23, 2026, but the celebration has become a war zone of outrage. Social media has exploded into a heated debate, with parents claiming that the tradition has been hijacked and turned into a money-making scheme.
According to reports monitored on social media, parents now report receiving direct messages and phone calls from teachers nudging them to fund end-of-term "appreciation packages." Some of the requests have reportedly ballooned from small tokens of appreciation to high-ticket items, including home appliances such as microwaves and substantial cash demands.
A Shift in Culture
Growing up, while living with my late grandmother, my school was just behind our house. I could easily read between the lines when classes were about to begin. I would quickly prepare myself and rush off to school, eager to join my friends.
Those were our "Syto" days in public schools. Our biggest excitement back then was not about buying gifts for teachers; the real deal lay in "Our Day" celebrations. Going to school with biscuits, drinks, and food packed in beautifully decorated baskets covered with white cloth was the ish of the day. It was a real joy.
The Problem with Expectations
"When I was in primary school, our biggest excitement was not about buying gifts for teachers. We looked forward to bringing biscuits, drinks, and food packed in beautifully decorated baskets covered with white cloth. That was the real joy. It was never a rule. No parent was forced, and no child felt embarrassed," said Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy.
Pupils brought small tokens like drinks or biscuits in appreciation of their teachers, who accepted them with utmost pride. But it was a voluntary gesture, as no parent was forced, and no child felt embarrassed because they could not offer a gift to their teacher.
A Culture of Kindness Under Threat
There is no doubt that teachers deserve to be appreciated. They shoulder bigger responsibilities even beyond the walls of classrooms. They provide guidance and counselling and, in some instances, spend financially on their pupils. Those teachers deserve recognition.
But the real problem begins when appreciation becomes an expectation. When parents are asked to exchange expensive gifts such as microwaves or large sums of money, then it raises concerns. Some overburdened parents already struggling to make ends meet will be put under unbearable pressure.
A Call for Balance
Some people argue parents who choose private schools over public ones should be ready to meet the expectations that come with them. While parents certainly want the best for their children, appreciation should never feel like a compulsory payment.
Perhaps a better approach is to allow parents to raise specific concerns instead of blaming teachers for their predicaments. If a particular teacher or school makes unreasonable demands, that situation should be addressed directly rather than painting every teacher "black."
A Call to Action
Because the truth is, many teachers continue to serve with dedication and commitment. At the same time, we should not allow this conversation to destroy our culture of kindness and generosity. Giving has always been part of who we are as Ghanaians.
When we are kind and loving to others, God is pleased. So, let us continue to appreciate teachers, but let that appreciation come from the heart — not from pressure, fear or obligation. Perhaps the greatest gift a teacher can receive is not an expensive item wrapped in a package but the appreciation of their patience, sacrifice and hard work that have helped shape the life of a child.
Ultimately, the essence of Our Day is not about the gifts. It was always about gratitude, love, and appreciation.
Source: Joy Online
