Gov’t to Tentatively Pay GHS 1,500 per Semester for Free SHS Students in Private Schools – GNACOPS

Accra, Ghana –
The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) has announced that the government is tentatively preparing to roll out a financial support scheme under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy that will include private SHS students, with an expected allocation of GHS 1,500 per student per semester.

The initiative is aimed at decongesting public schools under the Free SHS programme and absorbing excess students who may otherwise be left out due to infrastructural limitations in public institutions.

???? GNACOPS Confirms Gov’t Plans

In an interview, Mr. Enoch Kwasi Gyetuah, Executive Director of GNACOPS, said discussions with the Ministry of Education have reached an advanced stage. The scheme, once approved, will see the government pay a standardised fee of GHS 1,500 per semester for each qualified student placed in an approved private SHS.

“It’s not just about reducing pressure on public schools. This also helps expand access and promote quality through partnership with capable private institutions,” Mr. Gyetuah explained.

???? Who Qualifies?

The payment will cover tuition and academic support services for students placed in GNACOPS-accredited private SHSs through the national computerized placement system.

Students will still go through the BECE selection process, where qualified candidates who do not secure placements in public schools may opt for accredited private SHSs under the scheme.

???? Addressing Double Track Pressure

Education experts have welcomed the move as a pragmatic step to address the long-standing double-track system in public schools, which was introduced to manage overcrowding.

“It’s a win-win. We reduce congestion in public schools while empowering private ones to contribute meaningfully to national education goals,” said Dr. Angela Afriyie, an education policy analyst.

???? Implementation Timeline

Although an official rollout date hasn’t been announced, stakeholders believe the policy could be piloted as early as the next academic year in selected regions before being scaled nationwide.

The Ministry of Education is expected to issue detailed guidelines and engage both public and private sector partners ahead of full implementation.

???? A Bold Step Toward Equity in Education

This initiative marks a significant shift in Ghana’s approach to inclusive education, acknowledging the role of private schools in national development while reducing the burden on state-funded institutions.

???? Stay Updated

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