Free SHS participation a major milestone for us – Private school operators – Nsemkeka
Private second-cycle schools have warmly welcomed their inclusion in the government’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) initiative, describing it as a significant milestone and a long-awaited opportunity for the sector.
Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV, Richard Kyei Naphtali, the Public Relations Officer of the Conference of Heads of Private Second Cycle Schools (CHOPSS), said the development marked a major shift in the fortunes of private institutions, which have consistently lobbied to be included in the education policy.
“Excitement is an understatement. We are more than elated. We think that it’s welcoming news. It is a long-awaited development. It is something we’ve always wanted to have, and I think it is the greatest opportunity we’ve been given. It is good,” Mr Naphtali stated on the Channel One Newsroom on Saturday, 14th June.
The announcement was made by the Ministry of Education on Monday, 27th May, during the launch of revised guidelines for the selection of schools by Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates.
Under the updated policy, candidates can now select up to seven schools, with private senior high schools featured on the official list of eligible institutions for the first time under the Free SHS policy.
CHOPSS is optimistic that this inclusion will not only lead to increased enrolment across private institutions but will also strengthen the partnership between the private and public education sectors, ultimately contributing to the delivery of quality secondary education in Ghana.