The Educate Africa Institute (EAI) has commended the Ministry of Education for its decision to include Private Senior High Schools (SHSs) in the Free Senior High School policy.
This comes on the back of the government’s plans to include Private Schools in the Free Senior High School policy.
“The Free SHS Secretariat, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, and key representatives from the private education sector, has been working diligently behind the scenes to make this vision a reality.
“I am pleased to report that work is far advanced. Frameworks have been developed, consultations held, data collected, and systems aligned to ensure a seamless and sustainable rollout”, Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, disclosed at a press conference recently.
In a statement commending the government for the planned move, the Institute also called on the government to expedite the completion of E-Block schools in order to actualize its plans.
“EAI stands firmly in support of the inclusion of private SHSs in the Free SHS policy and calls on the government to expedite the completion of the E-Block schools to fully realize the transformative potential of this policy shift.
“We remain committed to working with the Ministry of Education and all relevant stakeholders to ensure a resilient and inclusive education system that truly meets the aspirations of all Ghanaian children”, the EAI Executive Director added.
Below is the full statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Inclusion of Private Senior High Schools in the Free SHS Program Demonstrates Forward-thinking, Kudos to the Government – William Boadi, EAI.
The Educate Africa Institute (EAI) commends the Ministry of Education for its decision to include Private Senior High Schools (SHSs) in the Free SHS programme.
Candidly, this move will enhance equitable access and phase out the double-track system. EAI believes that this inclusion of private SHSs demonstrates a forward-thinking, pragmatic approach to bridging infrastructure gaps and ensuring no child is left behind in the quest for quality education. As education advocates, we view this policy as a strategic intervention to promote synergy between government and private sector actors, and as a means to generate employment opportunities in various communities across the country.
However, EAI urges the government to complement this bold initiative by prioritizing the swift completion of the Community E-Block schools across Ghana. The E-Block schools, once operational, will provide critical infrastructure to accommodate the increasing enrolment spurred by the Free SHS policy, especially in underserved communities. These modern facilities will help decongest public schools, create more equitable learning opportunities, and support the return to the single-track system, all of which are essential for enhancing the overall quality of secondary education in the country.
EAI stands firmly in support of the inclusion of private SHSs in the Free SHS policy and calls on the government to expedite the completion of the E-Block schools to fully realize the transformative potential of this policy shift. We remain committed to working with the Ministry of Education and all relevant stakeholders to ensure a resilient and inclusive education system that truly meets the aspirations of all Ghanaian children.
Issued by:
William Boadi
Executive Director,
Educationist | Political Analyst | Social Worker
Contact:
Email: educateafricainstitute@gmail.com
Phone: +233(0) 541935106
EAI: Education and Social Justice.
