John Dramani Mahama, if elected president in the upcoming 2024 election, has made a commitment to eliminate the 30% Senior High School (SHS) placement system that favors public BECE candidates over their counterparts in the private sector.
During his speech as a guest of honor at the launch of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) Week celebration in Accra, Mahama emphasized the importance of private schools in Ghana’s education system and their dedication to advocating for policies that address the challenges faced by the private education sector.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Education has revised the 30% placement policy for ‘Category A’ Senior High Schools to include private Junior High School (JHS) students in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
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This revision follows a meeting between the Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Adutwum, and the leadership of the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) regarding the SHS placement system.
Ernest Arkosah, a spokesperson for the Education Ministry, explained that the 30% placement allocation for public school BECE candidates aims to ensure fairness in the SHS placement of students who take the national examination.
According to the Education Ministry official, the 30% equity quota is given to students from public schools due to the inadequate infrastructure and resources compared to private institutions.
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The Ministry of Education’s revision of the placement policy for ‘Category A’ Senior High Schools to include private JHS students is seen as a step towards addressing the concerns raised by Mahama and the private education sector. This revision acknowledges the importance of private schools and their students in the national examination process.
This conducive atmosphere is created through a combination of academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and a strong sense of community. Mr. Enerst emphasized the importance of providing students with a well-rounded education that goes beyond just academics.
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By fostering a supportive and engaging environment, students are able to fully immerse themselves in the rich traditions and vibrant culture of these prestigious schools. Through this approach, Mr. Enerst aims to ensure that students not only excel academically but also develop important life skills and values that will serve them well in the future.