Free SHS: Private schools cry of neglect

The Conference of Heads of Private Senior High Schools (CHOPSS) has taken a swipe at government over the implementation of the free senior high school (SHS) policy.

According to them, their schools have been neglected due to the introduction of the policy.

They are therefore calling on government to introduce a system which will make it possible for students to attend private senior high schools whilst benefiting from the free SHS policy.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Tuesday launched the free SHS policy in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Four, Target One, which states: “By 2030, all boys and girls complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education, leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.”

But at a press conference in Accra Wednesday, the National Secretary of CHOPPS, Mr Joseph Dzamesi decried the manner with which the policy has been rolled out to the neglect of private SHS, adding that such a neglect may lead to job losses.

“What is to happen to the millions of Ghana cedis that has been invested in our schools? What is to happen to 10,000 plus Ghanaian workers who are currently employed in our schools? What is government’s plan to provide a platform that gives our schools a realistic chance to thrive?” he quipped.

Mr Dzamesi therefore called on government “to as a matter of urgency” include private SHS among the schools listed on the self-placement website to give students the opportunity to make a choice for themselves.

Alternatively, he said, government could also allocate some funding to the private schools to enable them absorb students who prefer the private schools to the public schools.

“Include private SHS among the schools listed on the self-placement website. Our schools should be tabbed private and parents should be informed that when a private school is selected, the student will have to pay the school fees. With this a student who may not be happy with his or her placement or a student who is not able to find a school that he or she likes may select a private school.”

“We call on government to extend its policy on free shs to cover students in private senior high schools also. We therefore suggest that the amount of money earmarked per student to attend senior high school be granted to the student whether he or she attends a private or public senior high school. We are calling for a system similar to what pertains in the health sector,” he added.