The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has committed to integrating private secondary schools into the free senior high school program if his party secures victory in the December election.
He highlighted that many private schools possess the necessary infrastructure and human resources to support the program, making their inclusion appropriate.
Former President Mahama also referenced a recent report by Edu-Watch, a civil society organization, which underscored the significant financial burden shared by parents and the government in secondary education, despite the implementation of the free SHS program.
Speaking at the launch of the 2024 annual week celebration of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools in Accra, themed “The 2024 elections, GNAPS manifesto,” Mahama emphasized the importance of private schools as partners in providing quality education. He praised private school management for their contributions over the years, describing them as pioneers in introducing innovative teaching methods.
Mahama assured the private school association that an NDC government would prioritize education by convening all stakeholders to review the education system from basic to tertiary levels for improved outcomes. He pledged substantial investment in basic education starting from 2025 to establish a strong foundation for students.
The President of GNAPS, Prof. Damasus Tuurosong, appealed to the government to cover the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) registration fees for private school students. He also urged the inclusion of private schools in the free SHS program and a review of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act 2020 to eliminate excessive regulatory charges by education authorities.
Additionally, Prof. Tuurosong demanded the removal of the 30% priority placement system, abolition of nuisance taxes affecting business costs, and a review of property rates and business operating permits. He stated that GNAPS members would support any political party addressing private school concerns.
Dr. Asi Aisha Akrofi, Chairperson of the Greater Accra Region Chapter of GNAPS, emphasized the importance of advocating for favorable government policies supporting private school establishment and operation.
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