The Bolgatanga chapter of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) has reported that the Upper East Region is home to over 210 private schools, with approximately 80 located in the Bolgatanga municipality.
Many of these schools operate in rural and remote communities where public schools are unavailable.
There is a pressing need for resources to enhance their contributions to education in these areas.Mr. Stephen Samari, the Bolgatanga Municipal Chairman of GNAPS, is appealing to the government to reconsider the 30% placement system assigned to private schools, which he describes as discriminatory.
This system disqualifies deserving Junior High School students from accessing second-cycle education.
He emphasized that all children are Ghanaian citizens who deserve equal rights and educational opportunities. Improved resources are essential to maximize education’s impact in the municipality.
Many private schools in the region operate in remote areas and require additional support to develop their infrastructure and staffing, including the provision of National Service personnel.
Speaking exclusively to the media during the March 5th, 2026, march past to celebrate Ghana’s 69th anniversary, Mr. Samari noted that Bolgatanga municipality has around 80 private schools. “We want our stakeholders to recognize that private schools educate Ghanaian children as well,” he stated. “We believe that any governmental resources allocated to public schools should also be extended to us, as we are all serving the same Ghanaian children. We expect that whatever support is provided to public schools should also include a fair allocation.”
He highlighted that resources applied to public schools should also benefit private schools. To ensure fairness, he called for the abolition of the 30% placement priority for private schools, as it does not guarantee equity.
Many children do not have access to their first-choice secondary schools due to this system.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Adongo Ayuureneeya.