The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has rejected government’s decision to expand the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy to include private institutions, warning of potential consequences.
Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, during the launch of the revised school selection guidelines for candidates preparing for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) announced the extension.
He disclosed that starting from the next academic year, private senior high schools will be brought under the Free SHS programme.
Dr. Apaak explained that extensive stakeholder engagements have already been held, and the Ministry of Education is confident in the preparedness of private institutions to participate.
He added that the initiative is consistent with the government’s long-standing commitment to expanding access to secondary education for all students, regardless of whether they attend public or private schools.
However, GNAT’s General Secretary, Thomas Musah, has criticised the policy direction, warning that it may divert crucial resources away from public schools.
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According to GNAT, the educational system is already grappling with funding and logistical challenges.
The association suggested that the government prioritise strengthening the public education system before attempting such an expansion.
“We don’t want the situation where tomorrow the government will come and tell us that there are no resources to teach in the public schools, and so we are adding on to those that parents have to pay. Already we have been calling for parents who can pay fees to pay, or should be made to make some contributions.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
