Private Schools meet NDC’s manifesto team on education concerns

The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) ahead of the December 7, 2024 general election has convened a crucial stakeholder engagement session with the manifesto team of the National Democratic Congress.

The meeting GNAPS say is one of its ongoing endeavours to ensure that the concerns of private schools are adequately addressed and reflected in the manifestos of political parties leading up to the 2024 elections.

A delegation led by the President of GNAPS, Professor Damasus Tuurosong presented a comprehensive list of documented issues and concerns titled “Pre-tertiary Private Schools Manifesto for the 2024 General Elections.”

The Private Schools Manifesto highlighted critical issues such as the 30% placement system, exorbitant fees for BECE and WASSCE registrations, National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA) charges, teacher licensure examinations, property rates, and other nuisance taxes.

A key concern raised at the engagement with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto team was the collapse of private Senior High Schools as a result of the government’s free Senior High School policy.

In response, the John Dramani Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto team reiterated the commitment of the party’s flagbearer and former President, John Dramani Mahama, to support private schools.

The NDC team commended private schools for their significant contributions to the educational sector over the decades, recognizing them as pioneers in introducing innovative teaching techniques and practices.

Furthermore, the NDC’s team assured the Ghana National Association of Private Schools that, if elected to form the next government, they would prioritize education and collaborate closely with all stakeholders in the industry.

Specifically, they pledged to include private Senior High Schools in the Free Senior High School program. They also highlighted private schools’ capability to support special-needs students due to their lower teacher-to-pupil ratio, allowing for more personalized attention.

The engagement between GNAPS and the NDC’s manifesto team underscores the vital role of private schools in Ghana’s education system and their potential to shape policies for the benefit of students and the nation.