President, John Mahama has reiterated his commitment to include private senior high schools in Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. On November 11, 2024, H.E John Mahama, outlined his vision for education.
H.E John Mahama dispelled rumors that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) would cancel the Free SHS policy, emphasizing that his administration would maintain it but conduct a review to address challenges. He explained that the review is essential due to the increasing number of students, which has placed strain on resources and impacted the policy’s effectiveness.
He also expressed concerns about the quality of student meals, arguing that his government will provide nutritious food. John Mahama’s remarks were met with chants of “the nation builder”.
He pledged to expand the Free SHS policy to include technical education, aiming to equip students with practical skills to enhance job opportunities.
President John Mahama, has emphasised the importance of private schools as partners with the government in providing quality education for Ghanaian children.
The Ghana National Association of Private Schools, got an applauded from H.E John Mahama for the significant contributions of private schools to the educational sector over the years.
He described them as trailblazers and pacesetters introducing new teaching techniques and procedures into the system. President John Mahama cited the Montessori curriculum as an example, which he said was first introduced by private schools before some public schools replicated the methods to boost teaching and learning.
President John Mahama further stated that private schools are more effective in handling special children because of their teacher-to-pupil ratio.
He explained that public schools have high numbers, making it challenging for teachers to attend to all children, especially those with special needs. Private schools, he noted, are therefore crucial to the education sector.
President John Mahama assured the association of private schools that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government would prioritize education and bring together all stakeholders in the industry to review the entire education structure from the basic to the tertiary level.
He stated that his government will from 2025 invest heavily in basic education to ensure a strong foundation for the education sector.
Regarding secondary education, President John Mahama promised to include private secondary schools in the free SHS programme, as many of them have the necessary infrastructure and human resources to support the programme.
President John Mahama referred to a recent Edu-Watch report highlighting the burden still shared by parents and the government at the secondary education level, with parents still bearing about 77% of the cost of educating their children despite implementing the free SHS policy.
The President of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools, Professor Tuurosong Damasus, has welcomed the government's decision to include private senior high schools in the Free Senior High School (SHS) program.
According to professor Damasus this move is expected to help reduce congestion in public schools and provide more opportunities for students in the private schools.
In an exclusive interview on Wednesday May 28, 2025, on Fabea FM with Apiah-Kubi, professor Damasus said private schools had proposed this inclusion to the government as a solution to alleviate overcrowding in public schools, which had led to the introduction of the double-track system.
"The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has now listened to our plea and included us in the free senior high school program", Professor Damasus expressed.
The President expressed satisfaction that private schools will be able to enroll more students under the Free SHS program, which will have a positive impact on the private education sector.
However, professor Damasus noted that timely release of resources from the government will be crucial for private schools to operate effectively.
"With preparations underway, private schools are ready to participate in the Free SHS program and provide quality education to students", he stated.
"This development is expected to improve access to education and reduce the financial burden on parents", professor Damasus added.
He believes the inclusion of the private schools in the free senior high school program will help alleviate overcrowding in the public schools.
In conclusion, professor Damasus's remarks highlight the potential benefits of including private schools in the free SHS programme, and expressed optimism that the government will enhance access to quality education for Ghanaian students.
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