GNAT strongly opposes government’s plan to extend Free SHS policy to private senior high schools

GNAT opposes move to include private schools in “Free SHS” programme

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has voiced strong resistance to the government’s recent plan to expand the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy to cover private schools, arguing that it could place further strain on already overstretched public education resources.

The announcement was made on 27 May by Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, during the launch of updated school selection guidelines for students preparing for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). He explained that this expansion is part of efforts to broaden access to secondary education and eventually phase out the double-track system introduced to manage overcrowding in public SHSs.

“As part of our campaign promise, we’ve worked hard to bring private senior high schools into the fold,” Dr. Apaak said. “With ongoing engagement and commitment on both sides, we’re confident this move will help resolve overcrowding and end the double-track approach.”

GNAT remains unconvinced. General Secretary Thomas Musah warned that expanding the Free SHS policy to private schools could put extra pressure on the education system and worsen funding challenges.

“We fear the government may later claim it lacks the resources to run public schools effectively, especially if it takes on the extra cost of private ones,” he stated. “We've been asking for parents who can afford to contribute something to be allowed to do so. Even that hasn’t been addressed. Adding more schools now makes the situation more difficult.”

GNAT insists that while improving access is essential, the focus should remain on strengthening public education before taking on additional commitments.

Source: asaaseradio



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