In a move that has sent shockwaves through Ghana’s educational landscape, the government has officially announced a bold expansion of its flagship Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme — and this time, the tidal wave is crashing through the gates of private senior high schools.
Yes, you read that right.
The walls have come down.
The barriers are breaking.
Free SHS is going private.
For years, private SHS institutions have watched from the sidelines as their public counterparts thrived under the Free SHS policy — a revolutionary initiative that democratized access to secondary education. But now, in a sweeping policy shift that has stunned education stakeholders and delighted thousands of Ghanaian families, the government has declared:
“No child shall be left behind, whether in public or private classrooms.”
Education Minister Declares: “This is the new dawn.”
At a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, May 27, Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, announced that the Free SHS policy will now be extended to include private senior high schools.
He explained that the move is part of a long-term strategy to ease pressure on public schools and ultimately bring an end to the double-track system.
“As part of our campaign promise, we have been working diligently to bring on board private senior high schools in the delivery of the Free SHS programme,” Dr. Apaak stated.
“We believe strongly that fulfilling this manifesto promise will serve as a critical artery in phasing out the double-track system.”
Parents erupted in joy. School administrators looked on — some in awe, some in disbelief, and others already preparing to open their doors wider than ever before.
The Catch? Quality First.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers, Jacob Anaba, has urged the government to ensure that private schools enrolled in the programme are equipped with adequate facilities to accommodate the anticipated surge in student enrollment.
Students Rejoice. Dreams Awaken.
As expected, the announcement has not escaped scrutiny. Critics are raising questions about funding, oversight, and long-term sustainability. Yet, for millions of families whose pockets have run dry and whose hopes for quality education were dimming, this policy is more than politics — it’s a lifeline.
Educationist Divine Kpe believes the inclusion of private schools will significantly help end the double-track system across the country.
The Classroom Door Is Wide Open.
With this daring expansion, Ghana isn’t just investing in education — it’s investing in equity, ambition, and a future where a child’s dreams are no longer limited by their zip code or the type of school they attend.
The Free SHS train is moving again.
Faster, louder, and more inclusive than ever.
And it’s not stopping.
Source: Ghana/Starr103.5FM/Benjamin Sackey
