In a landmark decision that marks a major shift in Ghana’s educational policy, the Ministry of Education has officially announced the extension of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy to include 60 carefully selected private senior high schools. This bold move, revealed in a statement on Monday, seeks to relieve congestion in public schools and broaden equitable access to quality education across the country.
Since its inception in 2017 under the administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Free SHS policy has been hailed as a transformative initiative, guaranteeing free tuition, textbooks, and boarding for students enrolled in public secondary schools. However, it has also faced challenges, particularly in relation to infrastructure, teacher‑student ratios, and the ever‑growing number of students seeking admission each academic year. Until now, students in private schools were not included in the program, which meant parents had to shoulder the full cost of tuition and other expenses if they opted for a private education for their wards.
This new directive changes the landscape significantly. For the first time, students in approved private senior high schools will also benefit from government support under the Free SHS Background to the Policy Shift
When Free SHS was launched in September 2017, it covered only public schools. The government’s argument was that it needed to first strengthen the public education system before considering other sectors. Over the years, enrollment in public senior high schools skyrocketed because families who would have chosen private schools often switched to public institutions to take advantage of the policy. This led to a surge in class sizes, increased pressure on boarding facilities, and in some cases, a strain on teaching and learning resources.
Private schools, on the other hand, saw a decline in enrollment and in some cases, a drop in revenue. The private sector has historically played a significant role in Ghana’s education system, often providing alternative options for parents seeking smaller class sizes, specialized programs, or unique educational philosophies. As enrollment dwindled, some of these schools faced operational difficulties. Education advocacy groups and private school associations began engaging the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to explore ways in which private institutions could also complement the Free SHS policy.
The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS), in particular, has been at the forefront of lobbying the government to consider private institutions as partners rather than competitors in national education delivery. After extensive consultations and assessments, the Ministry of Education has now approved 60 private schools to join the Free SHS scheme. This is a pilot phase, with the potential for more schools to be added in the future based on performance and How the Selection Was Done
The Ministry of Education indicated in its statement that the selection process for the 60 schools was rigorous. Criteria included:
• Accreditation status: Only private schools fully accredited by the GES and National Schools Inspectorate Authority were considered.
• Infrastructure readiness: Schools had to demonstrate that they had adequate classrooms, science laboratories, libraries, and ICT facilities.
• Quality of teaching staff: The schools needed to have qualified teachers with proven track records of delivering results in WASSCE examinations.
• Geographical distribution: The Ministry ensured that the selected schools were spread across various regions to increase access in both urban and rural areas.
By extending Free SHS to these private institutions, the government aims to decentralize access and allow parents more options without the financial Implications for Students and Parents
The inclusion of these private schools offers several advantages:
1. Reduced Congestion in Public Schools
Many public senior high schools have been operating beyond their intended capacity, leading to overcrowded classrooms and strained boarding facilities. With private schools now absorbing some of the student population under the same policy framework, pressure on public schools will ease. Students in both public and private sectors stand to benefit from a better teacher‑student ratio and improved learning environments.
2. Wider Choice for Parents
Parents can now select from a broader range of schools without worrying about tuition fees. If a particular private school is known for excellence in science, arts, or technical education, parents can enroll their children there and still enjoy government support.
3. Encouragement of Healthy Competition
With government support extended to private institutions, competition between public and private schools is likely to increase. This can lead to improved standards, as both sectors strive to attract students by offering better teaching and learning experiences.
4. Equity and Inclusion
This move aligns with the government’s vision of ensuring that every Ghanaian child, regardless of background or location, has access to quality secondary education. Children who might have been disadvantaged by distance or lack of space in public schools can now attend nearby approved private How Parents Can Verify the Schools
The Ministry of Education has urged parents and guardians to verify the list of approved private schools before making enrollment decisions. The list is available on:
• Ministry of Education website and offices
• Ghana Education Service (GES) district and regional offices
• GNACOPS platforms and communication channels
By verifying, parents can avoid falling victim to unapproved institutions that may falsely claim inclusion in the The Bigger Picture: Strengthening Education in Ghana
Education analysts have praised this decision as a step toward public-private partnership in education. Ghana’s education system has long relied on private institutions at various levels—basic, secondary, and tertiary—to complement public efforts. By officially recognizing and supporting private SHS through Free SHS, the government is acknowledging their role and investing in a more inclusive education model.
However, some challenges remain:
• Monitoring and Quality Assurance: The Ministry and GES must ensure that these private schools maintain the same standards and accountability measures required of public schools under the Free SHS program.
• Sustainability of Funding: With more schools and students added to the policy, the government must secure adequate funding to maintain free tuition, textbooks, and other resources without compromising quality.
• Possible Expansion: If this pilot is successful, there may be calls to expand the list beyond 60 schools, which will require even more oversight and Voices from Stakeholders
Some parents interviewed expressed relief and excitement. “I wanted my daughter to attend a particular private girls’ school because of their excellent science program, but I couldn’t afford it. With this new policy, she can go there without us struggling with fees,†said a parent in the Ashanti Region.
Leaders of private school associations have also expressed optimism. GNACOPS, in a press release, described the initiative as “a testament to what collaboration between government and private stakeholders can achieve for the future of education.â€
Public school administrators, while welcoming the decision, have urged government to maintain equity in resource distribution so that public schools also continue to receive adequate Looking Ahead
The extension of the Free SHS policy to 60 private schools is more than just an administrative change—it is a bold statement about the future direction of education in Ghana. By blending public and private efforts, the country is setting a precedent for innovative educational reforms that prioritize students’ welfare above sectoral boundaries.
For now, parents and guardians are encouraged to act swiftly, verify the approved institutions, and take advantage of this opportunity to secure quality education for their wards. As implementation begins, all eyes will be on how this policy shift impacts enrollment patterns, educational outcomes, and overall student welfare.
One thing is clear: the Free SHS policy, already a cornerstone of Ghana’s educational landscape, has entered a new chapter—one that promises greater inclusivity, choice, and hope for thousands of young people across the nation.
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