Investigative journalist and author, Manasseh Azure Awuni, has expressed criticism regarding the growing trend of parents publicly presenting cars and other expensive gifts to their children during school ceremonies. He cautions that such displays foster materialism, exacerbate social divisions, and undermine the core values that educational institutions are intended to promote.
In a reflective commentary, Manasseh compared his experiences at some of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions with what he describes as an emerging culture of ostentation in Ghanaian schools.
Lessons from Harvard and Nebraska
Manasseh recounted his time at Harvard University, where he encountered a culture that deliberately downplayed wealth and social status in favor of academic excellence, humility, and personal merit.
He observed that students from wealthy and influential families, including descendants of major benefactors of the university, exhibited little to no visible distinction from those admitted through scholarships. Luxury cars, designer fashion, and other outward symbols of affluence were largely absent from campus life, despite the significant economic disparities among students.
“Modesty was part of the culture,” he suggested, explaining that such an environment enabled students to focus on intellectual growth and personal development rather than competing over material possessions.
Manasseh noted a similar atmosphere while interacting with academics and professionals in Nebraska, where respect was earned through scholarly accomplishments and professional contributions rather than displays of wealth.
Concern Over Growing Materialism in Ghanaian Schools
Turning his attention to developments in Ghana, the investigative journalist lamented what he termed a growing “show-off culture” within educational institutions.
He contended that public presentations of luxury vehicles to students during school events create an unnecessary distinction between children from affluent homes and those from less privileged backgrounds, thereby establishing social barriers among students.
According to him, schools should emphasize discipline, equality, and academic achievement rather than serving as venues for showcasing family wealth.
Manasseh further argued that Ghanaian society has become increasingly tolerant of conspicuous consumption without adequately questioning the means by which wealth is acquired. He suggested that this attitude contributes to the glorification of ill-gotten riches and erodes society’s moral standards.
Schools Should Discourage Public Luxury Displays
While acknowledging that parents have the right to reward their children for academic success or good behavior, Manasseh insisted that such rewards should be given privately rather than during official school functions.
He argued that educational institutions have a responsibility to maintain standards of civility and modesty, stating, “The school authorities ought to have told the parents to do their presentations at home.” He described recent ceremonies in which students were handed car keys in front of their peers as unnecessary spectacles that encourage vanity and send the wrong message to young people.
Education experts often emphasize that schools play a crucial role in shaping character and social values. Critics of extravagant public gifting argue that such acts can foster unrealistic expectations among students and place pressure on families unable to match similar displays.
Warning About Long-Term Social Consequences
Manasseh warned that normalizing conspicuous displays of wealth among young people could have far-reaching consequences for society. He linked the trend to broader concerns about declining discipline, increasing materialism, and a growing tendency among some youth to measure success solely by possessions rather than integrity, hard work, and service to society.
He cautioned that if society continues to celebrate wealth without emphasizing the values that should accompany it, future generations may become more concerned with appearances than with meaningful achievement.
Concluding his remarks, Manasseh urged school authorities, parents, and the wider public to prioritize value-based education and cultivate a culture of modesty among children. He maintained that speaking against public displays of luxury in schools should not be misconstrued as envy, but rather understood as a call for moral responsibility and a renewed commitment to the principles that education is meant to uphold.
Source: Obuasi news
