Ghana Expands Education Access with Private SHS Inclusion
Officials announced on July 22, 2025, the inclusion of 60 private senior high schools (SHSs) in the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, a first since its 2017 launch under the Akufo-Addo administration. The move aims to reduce overcrowding in public SHSs and expand access to quality education, particularly in underserved areas.
The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) praised the decision, noting it will ease pressure on public schools, which enrolled 1.4 million students in 2024, per GES data. GNACOPS pledged collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to address concerns of private schools and ensure compliance with regulatory standards for future inclusions.
The policy shift, approved on July 15, 2025, by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, targets regions like Ashanti and Greater Accra, where public SHSs face capacity issues. Parents are urged to verify approved private schools via GES or GNACOPS platforms to avoid fraud, with a list published on July 20.
GNACOPS emphasized ongoing efforts to include more quality-assured private SHSs, with 200 applications under review for 2026. The initiative aligns with President Mahama’s goal to enroll 90% of eligible students by 2027, up from 85% in 2024. Critics, however, call for transparent selection criteria to prevent favoritism.
