November 7th CPD Day not holiday for private-schools -GNACOPS

Parents with wards in private schools, teachers and private schools Pupils are to note that National CPD Day on November 7th excludes private schools. This means the day is not a holiday for private schools and that all private schools will be in full session across the country.

This update is important, as parents and teachers are scrambling to determine whether Friday, November 7th, 2025, is a school day or a holiday for both public and private schools.

Official communications from both the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) have provided the definitive clarification needed to streamline school calendars and ensure effective lesson delivery. Unfortunately there has been some level of confusion as a result of the special day for learners in public schools who are not expected on shcool while their teachers undergo important training and fresher training on the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Day.

The Official Standpoint: One Date, Two Directives

The confusion arises from two distinct, yet equally authoritative, directives concerning the National CPD Day, which focuses on critical training in Cybersecurity and Data Protection.

1. The GES Directive: A Day Off for Students

According to a “NEWS ALERT” signed by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations, GES , the directive for public schools is crystal clear:

• For Staff (KG to SHS): All teaching and non-teaching staff must be present in school to observe the CPD Day training sessions. This training is compulsory and counts toward annual CPD credit and license renewal requirements.
• For Students: The students will not attend school. Friday, November 7th, is officially a holiday for the students, but a mandatory skill development day for staff.

This means public basic and senior high schools should be closed to students, allowing teachers the space for focused professional growth without instructional disruption.

2. The GNACOPS Clarification: Business as Usual for Private Schools

In a Communiqué issued by Obenfu Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, National Executive Director of GNACOPS , private school stakeholders are directed to ignore the GES announcement for the following crucial reasons:

1. Non-Applicability: The National CPD Day on November 7th does not apply to private-school teachers.
2. Separate Schedule: The NTC will be developing a separate, specific CPD programme tailored for private school teachers, which will be announced shortly.
3. No Holiday: Consequently, November 7th, 2025, is not a holiday for private-school teachers or students. It remains a normal instructional day.

This dual directive means that, while public school candidates get an unexpected study break, private school candidates must report to class.

• Public School Parents: Utilize this unexpected Friday as a structured study day. Focus your child’s revision on core subjects like BECE Maths, Integrated Science, and English Language, leveraging the extra time for mock exam practice.
• Private School Parents: Be assured that your child’s instructional time remains protected. Your school management is adhering to the specific directives issued by GNACOPS and the NTC regarding teacher CPD.

This situation underscores the growing need for clear, segmented communication within Ghana’s education sector. Parents must always consult their specific school’s management or the relevant official bodies (GES for public schools, GNACOPS for private schools) to avoid last-minute confusion. Effective communication and adherence to these directives are vital steps toward strengthening professional standards against “emerging threats” like cybersecurity, as emphasized in the official notices.