GNAT rejects proposal to extend Free SHS to private schools

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) is concerned. They oppose the government's decision to include private schools in the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

GNAT warns this move could strain educational resources. It may also undermine efforts to strengthen public schooling.

The government argues that including private schools will increase access to secondary education. This aims to ease congestion in public schools.

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, announced this on May 27. He spoke during the launch of revised school selection guidelines for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates.

Dr. Apaak explained that integrating private schools aligns with expanding capacity. It also aims to gradually eliminate the double-track system.

He stated, “We’ve worked diligently to bring private senior high schools on board.” Meetings have been held, and there is confidence in collaboration with private schools.

However, GNAT’s General Secretary, Thomas Musah, has voiced concerns about funding. He stressed potential implications for resource allocation within public schools.

Musah said, “We don’t want a situation where the government claims no resources exist.” He noted that parents are already being asked to contribute financially.

He cautioned that this policy could add more burdens instead of solving problems. Musah expressed difficulty with adding more challenges when existing issues remain unresolved.