GNAT opposes inclusion of private schools in free SHS Programme

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) opposes the government's plan. The government wants to extend the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy to private schools. They say this will increase access to secondary education and reduce overcrowding in public SHSs.

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, announced this on May 27. He revealed revised school selection guidelines for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates. He explained that including private schools is part of a broader strategy. This strategy aims to expand capacity and phase out the double-track system.

Dr. Apaak stated, “We’ve worked diligently to bring private senior high schools on board.” He mentioned that meetings have been held with private schools. He believes both sides are committed to making this work.

However, GNAT's General Secretary, Thomas Musah, disagrees with the policy change. He warns it could strain resources in public schools even more. Musah said, “We don’t want the government to later claim there are no resources.”

He added that parents already face financial burdens for public school fees. “Adding more pressure will be serious,” he cautioned. Musah expressed difficulty accepting this new policy direction.

The government plans to implement the free SHS policy for private schools next academic year.