We Will Include Private Schools In Free SHS Programme – John Mahama

John Dramani Mahama has promised to include private schools in Ghana in the Free SHS Programme when the NDC wins the 2024 election.

In a recent address to members of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) in Accra, the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, articulated his commitment to incorporating private secondary schools into the free senior high school (SHS) programme if his party emerges victorious in the upcoming December election.

Mahama underscored the significance of private schools, citing their possession of requisite infrastructure and human resources to bolster the free SHS initiative. He emphasized the necessity of leveraging their capabilities in advancing the education sector.

Drawing attention to a recent report by Edu-Watch, a civil society organization, Mahama highlighted the substantial financial burden shouldered by parents and the government in secondary education. Despite the implementation of the free SHS programme, parents continue to bear approximately 77 per cent of the educational costs.

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At the launch event of the 2024 annual week celebration of GNAPS, themed “The 2024 Elections, GNAPS Manifesto,” Mahama emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration between private schools and the government to ensure the provision of quality education across the country.

Acknowledging the pivotal role played by private schools in educational innovation, Mahama commended their introduction of progressive teaching methodologies, such as the Montessori curriculum. Additionally, he noted their effectiveness in catering to special needs students, attributing this success to favorable teacher-to-pupil ratios.

Looking ahead, Mahama pledged that an NDC government would prioritize education, convening all stakeholders to review and enhance the education structure from the primary to the tertiary level. He affirmed plans to significantly invest in basic education starting from 2025, with a focus on laying a solid foundation for pupils.

In response, Prof. Damasus Tuurosong, President of GNAPS, appealed to the government to absorb registration fees for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private school students. He urged for the inclusion of private schools in the free SHS programme and advocated for a review of regulatory charges imposed by education regulatory bodies.

Furthermore, Dr. Asi Aisha Akrofi, Chairperson of the Greater Accra Region Chapter of GNAPS, emphasized the necessity for collective advocacy among members to influence favorable government policies supporting the establishment and operation of private schools in Ghana.

As private schools seek greater recognition and support within the education sector, Mahama’s promises signal a potential paradigm shift towards inclusivity and collaboration in advancing educational accessibility and quality across the nation.