The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) has raised concerns about the proposed Free Senior High School (SHS) Bill, which is set to be introduced in Parliament.
GNAPS is advocating for a more inclusive approach, urging the government to engage in comprehensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including private schools, which play a significant role in Ghana’s education sector. The association represents a substantial portion of educational establishments (49%) and pre-tertiary enrollments (33%) in the country.
GNAPS is worried that private schools have been left out of the deliberations on the Bill, which may hinder the collaborative effort necessary for effective educational reforms. The association cautions that excluding major stakeholders may lead to challenges similar to those encountered during the implementation of the Free SHS policy, such as overcrowding, feeding issues, and overstretched staff.
“While information on the proposed Free SHS Bill remains scanty, one controversial aspect of it in the public domain is the cancellation of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).Periodic external assessment of learners is essential in identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and introducing the right interventions to achieve learning outcomes.Therefore, we strongly object to the cancellation of BECE which serves as a major measuring rod of learner attainment after nine years of basic education,” they said.
Before the Bill is sent to Parliament, GNAPS requests that the Minister of Education convene series of consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including GNAPS, and conduct thorough assessments to understand the potential implications of canceling BECE and extending SHS to six years.”
GNAPS remains committed to working collaboratively with the government and other stakeholders to achieve national educational aspirations, including a high-quality, equitable education system for all Ghanaian children.
The association believes that through inclusive dialogue and careful planning, Ghana will benefit from an educational system that supports the aspirations and needs of every learner in the country.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com/Bernard K Dadzie
