Private schools make educational demands ahead of Dec 7 election

As key stakeholders in the educational sector, the leadership of private schools in the country have outlined some demands it wants the main political parties to treat as urgent to get their votes in the upcoming 2024 election.

“When it comes to voting, the Ghana National Association of Private Schools has its priorities straight. The association is backing parties that champion the cause of private schools

The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) have a significant and growing political influence that can shape the future of education in Ghana,” the leadership of the Private Schools Association said in the social media post.

According to the Association of Private Schools, the educational demands form part of efforts to transform education and push for policies that directly address the issues faced by private education institutions in the country.

1. Scrap the 30% priority placement system: The Private School Association is pushing for a fairer system that ensures equal opportunities for all students. The current 30% placement priority gives students in public schools an advantage over their private colleagues.

2. Government absorption of BECE and WASSCE fees: Just as done in the public sector, the Ghana Private Schools Association has called for government support in covering fees of both international and national examinations

3. Free SHS for private school students: The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) wants the government to include private school students in the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.

4. Reducing Regulatory Charges: GNAPS has demanded a thorough review of education regulatory bodies to cut down on unnecessary fees.

5. Support for low-fee private schools: The leadership of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) has demanded for the central government to support low-fee-paying private schools in the country.

6. Abolishing nuisance taxes: As part of an effort to ease and remove unnecessary financial burdens. The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) has called for the government to abolish nuisance taxes on their business.

In related news, the former President and NDC flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama has pledged to create a conducive environment for the operation of private schools in Ghana if he wins the 2024 election.

Mahama has emphasized his commitment to review the 30% placement policy affecting private schools, give fair opportunities to children who attend private schools and include private schools in the Free SHS programme.