The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) has commended the Ghanaian government for what it calls a historic and forward-thinking decision: incorporating 60 private Senior High Schools (SHSs) to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy for the 2025–2026 school year.
In a press statement signed by Oberto Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, GNACOPS’s National Executive Director, and released on July 20, the council conveyed its sincere gratitude to the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education for acknowledging the importance of private schools in the country’s educational system.
“This progressive move marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s educational transformation journey,” the statement read.
“It underscores the Government’s commitment to inclusive, collaborative education delivery and reaffirms the important role of private schools in advancing national development goals.”
For the next academic year, the 60 private SHSs that were chosen from all throughout the nation have been given permission to accept students under the Free SHS policy.
These institutions are expected to maintain high standards of academic achievement, accountability, and openness, GNACOPS emphasized.
GNACOPS reassured the larger private education community that efforts are being made to broaden the program in later stages, acknowledging the concerns of institutions that have not yet been involved in the initiative.
“We encourage continued patience, preparation, and compliance with regulatory standards,” the release stated.
GNACOPS also urged the newly approved schools to serve as “ambassadors of excellence” to demonstrate that the private sector is a capable and credible partner in delivering free, equitable, and quality education to all Ghanaian children.
In closing, the statement restated GNACOPS’s dedication to influencing educational policy, strengthening stakeholder involvement, and guaranteeing that private education continues to be a cornerstone of Ghana’s national development agenda.