PRESS STATEMENT
Private SHS Inclusion in FSHS: Misplaced Criticism Rooted in Politics, Not Facts
The recent commentary by Mr. Yaw Opoku Mensah, a former Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, regarding the inclusion of private senior high schools in this year’s Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), is not only misinformed but appears to be driven more by political motivations than by educational logic.
Mr. Opoku Mensah’s suggestion that most private schools included in the placement process have expired licenses or invalid permits is a gross misrepresentation of the facts.
This assertion ignores the diligent efforts by regulatory bodies such as the National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA) and the Ghana Education Service (GES), who have, over the years, consistently monitored and ensured compliance of all schools private or public seeking to be part of national education reforms.
Private schools seeking inclusion in the CSSPS are subjected to rigorous vetting processes. Only those that meet the operational, infrastructural, and academic standards set by the Ministry of Education and its agencies are cleared. These schools are not only registered with valid operational permits but are also equipped with certified teachers trained in the new Standards-Based Curriculum
To claim otherwise is to overlook the data and to dishonor the commitment of thousands of hardworking educators in the private sector who have contributed significantly to Ghana’s educational landscape. It is also disingenuous to suggest that private schools lack qualified personnel and infrastructure, when many have consistently outperformed public institutions in WASSCE results and other national assessments.
Moreover, the claim that this inclusion is being “rushed” is unfounded. Stakeholder engagements, policy dialogues, and assessments have been ongoing for years to explore equitable access to education through collaboration between public and private sectors. The Ministry’s move to pilot this integration is a step in the right direction toward inclusivity and educational justice for every Ghanaian learner, regardless of the school they attend.
Rather than questioning the credibility of private schools, let us ask: What are we doing as a country to expand access and improve quality holistically? The inclusion of private SHSs in the CSSPS is not a political gimmick. It is a strategic policy intervention to ensure that more Ghanaian learners have access to quality secondary education without discrimination. on the toe of Private Pa
It is time to move beyond politicization and embrace a united vision for Ghana’s educational advancement. Constructive criticism is welcome, but it must be grounded in truth and national interest not in partisan narratives.
Best regards,
Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah
National Executive Director-GNACOPS
Enock Akonnor is a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, serving as CEO and Managing Editor for www.leakyghana.com. His gravitas, which is mirrored by many years of proven and enviable experience in the field of journalism has positioned him among the most sort after media practitioners in Ghana.
Contact: +233 541921562
Email: enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
