The Ghana National Council for Private Schools (GNACOPS) has clarified that the government’s decision to extend the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy to 25 private institutions applies strictly to day students.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Joshua Kodjo Mensah on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, GNACOPS Executive Director, Obengfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, explained that although some of the selected schools have boarding facilities, the Free SHS package does not cover boarding arrangements.
“We have schools that have facilities for boarding. But our arrangement and partnership with the government only centres on day school,” Gyetuah said. “So if a parent chooses to have his or her ward in the boarding facility, government only takes care of the day component. That becomes a private arrangement with the school.”
He noted that parents opting for boarding would be responsible for costs related to accommodation and feeding, just as day students bear their own transport and meal expenses.
Gyetuah emphasised that while the state is committed to reducing financial barriers to education, it cannot bear all operational costs.
“That is why the government is very ready to ensure that PTAs are well instituted in our schools,” he added. “It cannot be possible that government will absorb all costs in running education in Ghana—it is highly impossible.”
He explained that the government’s focus is on covering essential academic costs so that no student is denied access to education.
“If you want to embellish it with your accessories and other things, that is your own cup of tea,” he remarked.
This development follows the Ministry of Education’s inclusion of 25 private senior high schools in the 2025 Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). It marks the first time private institutions are participating in the Free SHS policy.
The selected schools—designated as Category E—are co-educational day schools located across all 16 regions of Ghana. Their inclusion is aimed at reducing congestion in public schools and facilitating the phase-out of the double-track system.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
