The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) has made a significant appeal to the government, urging the abolition of the 15% placement priority in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
This policy currently favours public basic schools over private institutions, allowing students from public schools to secure placements in Grade A Senior High Schools (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Institutions (TVIs).
GNAPS argues that this system undermines the principle of merit-based admissions for all students, regardless of their school type.
Variability of BECE Placement Policies
The percentage of BECE placements is not static; it fluctuates yearly based on government policies. One notable policy, the “30% public equity policy,” reserves a portion of vacancies in SHS for students from public schools.
This initiative aims to achieve high placement rates, with a target of at least 90% of students gaining access to their preferred educational institutions. However, GNAPS contends that such policies create an uneven playing field in the educational landscape of Ghana.
Concerns Raised at the GNAPS Conference
During a media briefing in Bolgatanga at GNAPS’ 39th biennial conference, held at the Desert Pastures, Prof. Damasus Tuurosong voiced strong concerns regarding this placement priority.
He reminded attendees that prior to the 2024 general elections, GNAPS had reached agreements with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which were incorporated into their manifesto. A key element of these agreements was the original 30% placement system that prioritized public school students for admission into Grade A secondary institutions.
At the conference, themed “Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a Tool for Driving Education in the 21st Century,” Prof. Tuurosong reiterated the necessity of a merit-based placement system. Following discussions with the NDC, he noted that the priority placement percentage had been reduced from 30% to 15%. He urged the government to uphold its 2024 manifesto commitment, advocating for a system that assesses all students based solely on their academic performance, irrespective of whether they attended public or private schools.
Financial Burdens on Private Schools and Students
In addition to addressing the placement issue, Prof. Tuurosong called on President John Dramani Mahama to subsidize BECE registration fees for private schools. He highlighted the financial challenges faced by low-fee private institutions, particularly in light of the 2025 BECE registration fee, which stands at 210 Ghana Cedis per student.
This financial burden can lead to increased dropout rates among students who struggle to afford these essential examination fees, thereby jeopardizing their educational futures.
Government Initiatives for Private Schools
Mr. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister who also spoke at the GNAPS gathering, revealed that the Ministry of Education is in the process of finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pilot the integration of private Senior High Schools into the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.
This initiative acknowledges the crucial role private schools have played in expanding educational access and alleviating overcrowding in public schools.Atanga emphasized that private schools are vital contributors to early childhood and primary enrollment, particularly in underserved communities.
He described the conference theme as “timely and relevant,” noting that Ghana’s educational landscape is undergoing significant transformation.
He urged participants to explore actionable solutions for integrating AI into the education system, aiming to enhance teaching and learning outcomes while preparing students for global competitiveness.
As the discussions continue, GNAPS remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for equitable educational opportunities for all students in Ghana. The association’s push for merit-based placements and financial support for private schools reflects a broader desire to ensure that every child has the chance to thrive academically, regardless of their school’s affiliation.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/ Gaspard Ayuureneeya Adongo