Private schools welcome gov’t’s inclusion in Free SHS programme — President

Prof Tuurosong Damasus

The President of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS), Prof Tuurosong Damasus, has commended the government for its decision to extend the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme to include private senior high schools.

 Prof Damasus described the move as a timely intervention that will ease congestion in public schools and expand access to quality education across the country.

He revealed that private schools had long advocated for their inclusion in the programme, particularly as a solution to the overcrowding in public SHSs, which 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 SHS programme,” he said.

Prof Damasus expressed satisfaction that private schools will now have the opportunity to enrol more students under the initiative, a development he believes will significantly boost the private education sector.

However, he emphasised the need for the timely release of funds by the government to enable private schools to operate smoothly and deliver on their mandate.

“With preparations underway, private schools are ready to play their part by providing quality education to students,” he noted.

He added that the inclusion of private SHSs in the programme is expected to not only improve access to secondary education but also reduce the financial burden on parents.

In conclusion, Prof Damasus expressed optimism that the government’s move will contribute to enhancing access to quality education while supporting the growth of private educational institutions in Ghana.

He spoke in an exclusive interview on Fabea FM on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.