The New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have expressed their willingness to consider the Ghana National Council of Private Schools’ (GNACOPS) proposal to establish a dedicated Private Education Service. This new body would regulate private education in Ghana, operating independently of the Ghana Education Service.
The proposal was brought forward by Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, the National Executive Director of GNACOPS, during the Multimedia Group’s 3rd Edition of the Sectorial Debate on August 16, 2024. Both political parties committed to reviewing the request, with further consultations needed to determine the framework.
Rev. Ntim Fordjour, Deputy Minister for Education and Member of Parliament for Assin South Constituency, represented the NPP. He affirmed his party’s commitment to fostering a collaborative approach to private sector education. Should the NPP be elected, the party plans to engage with private education stakeholders to ensure the successful establishment of the Private Education Service. Rev. Fordjour recognized the significant role of private schools in Ghana’s education system and emphasized the need to provide them with greater support.
Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, MP for Builsa South, spoke on behalf of the NDC. He assured private school operators that an NDC government would seriously consider the establishment of the Private Education Service as a critical mechanism to oversee private education in Ghana. He highlighted the need for more attention and support for the over 22,000 private education institutions in the country. Dr. Apaak reiterated the NDC’s commitment to an inclusive approach to education, including plans to integrate private senior high schools into the Free SHS policy. He stressed his party’s readiness to implement necessary reforms to establish the Private Education Service, recognizing the significant contributions of private education to Ghana’s overall educational delivery.
On the topic of the 30% Quota System, Rev. Fordjour defended the policy as essential for helping students from deprived communities access top-tier schools.
Dr. Apaak, meanwhile, promised that an NDC government would work to ensure that less privileged schools have access to quality education.
