Private School’s Expectations from the Government: A call for support and collaboration
The private school sector in Ghana is facing significant challenges, and they’re looking to the government for support and collaboration. One major concern is the limited placement opportunities in Senior High Schools (SHS), which is causing parents to withdraw their children from private junior high schools and enroll them in public schools instead.
Dr. Aisha Akrofi, the Greater Accra Regional Chairperson of the Ghana Nation Association of Private Schools, explains that this limited placement is a result of the government’s centralized system, where a limited number of students are selected for SHS based on their performance in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E).
This creates uncertainty and anxiety among parents, leading them to seek alternative options in public schools.
In terms of expectations from the government’s proposal to review the educational system, private schools are hoping for a more inclusive and collaborative approach.
They want the government to involve them in the policymaking process, recognizing their perspectives and expertise. This would enable private schools to contribute to the development of policies that address the unique challenges they face.
Some potential solutions that could be explored include:
– Decentralizing the SHS placement system, allowing private schools to have more autonomy in admissions and placement.
– Providing incentives for private schools, such as tax breaks or subsidies, to help them stay afloat and continue providing quality education.
– Fostering partnerships between private and public schools, to share resources, expertise, and best practices.
By working together, the government and private schools can address the challenges facing the sector and provide better educational outcomes for Ghanaian students.
Story by: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku
