By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor)
The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) has issued a dire warning about what it calls an “emerging education emergency”; the rapidly escalating cost of teaching and learning materials in private schools across the country.
In a strongly worded communiqué signed by National Executive Director, Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, GNACOPS revealed that the soaring prices are crippling school operations, overburdening parents, and threatening to widen the gap between privileged and underprivileged learners.
“We are on the brink of an access crisis,” the Council declared. “If swift action isn’t taken, thousands of Ghanaian children could be left behind not because they lack intelligence, but because they can’t afford a textbook.”
The Perfect Storm: Imports, Taxes, and Curriculum Demands
GNACOPS attributes the crisis to a dangerous over-reliance on imported educational materials, leaving schools and families at the mercy of volatile exchange rates and punishing import duties.
Combined with the demands of the country’s newly rolled-out curriculum which requires a wider range of textbooks and learning aids, costs have surged beyond sustainable levels.
“The system is choking,” said Gyetuah. “We’re asking parents to pay more for education than ever before, and schools are stretched to the limit. This is not sustainable.”
A Three-Pronged Rescue Plan
GNACOPS is calling on all stakeholders including the government, publishers, and school operators to join in a national rescue effort.
Their proposal includes:
Flexible Payment Structures: Encouraging member schools to adopt installment-based tuition plans so no child is denied materials due to financial hardship.
Urgent Tax Relief: A direct appeal to the government to scrap or significantly reduce import duties on all educational materials.
Boosting Local Production: A long-term strategy to break the dependency on imports by investing in local printing and publishing partnerships.
The Bigger Picture: A National Priority
GNACOPS warns that failure to act now could derail Ghana’s progress toward inclusive and quality education for all.
“This isn’t just a private school problem. It’s a national education emergency. We need action, and we need it now,” the statement emphasized.
The Council pledged to continue its advocacy, promising to act as a bridge between private education providers and the government.
Source; www.leakyghana.com
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
Contact:
📞 +233 541 921 562
✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
