Ghana National Association of Private Schools - GNAPS

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐇.𝐄. H.E John Dramani Mahama Mahama 𝐨𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲! 🎉 The Ghana National Association Of Private Schools - GNAPS extends its warmest congratulations to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama on his overwhelming electoral victory and the strong majority he secured in parliament. Your triumph reflects the trust and confidence the people of Ghana have in your leadership and vision for the nation. As an association representing the interests of the Affordable Non-State Education sector in Ghana, we are deeply encouraged by your longstanding recognition of the critical role that private schools play in education. We are optimistic that under your administration, affordable non-state education will receive the support it deserves, as highlighted in your manifesto commitments, including: -𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞, which acknowledges the foundational importance of early childhood education. - 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐇𝐒 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬, ensuring equitable access for all students. - 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭, to support low-cost private schools in underserved communities. - 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, pledging meaningful engagement with GNAPS and other educational stakeholders. GNAPS is confident that these policies, once implemented, will transform the educational landscape, making it more inclusive and equitable. We reaffirm our commitment to working with your administration to ensure that private schools continue to contribute meaningfully to national development. Your Excellency, we wish you great success in your leadership and look forward to seeing Ghana’s education sector thrive under your visionary policies. 𝐆𝐍𝐀𝐏𝐒 – 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞 #educationforall #ghanaeducation #privateschoolsmatter #Congratulations #GhanaPolls2024 #GhanaElections #LowFeePrivateSchools

Five transformative sessions in just three months—all designed to empower Ghanaian private school leaders, including proprietors, teachers, and administrators! The final training session of the Leadership for Learning project, a collaborative initiative between GNAPS and Global School Leaders concluded successfully today. This impactful program equipped leaders of low-fee private schools in urban and peri-urban communities across Ghana with the skills and tools needed to drive excellence in education.

Private schools play a critical role in Ghana's education sector, representing approximately 40% of total school enrollments. This significant contribution underscores the essential partnership between private schools, parents, and stakeholders in supporting the government’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4—ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all. Private schools are indispensable in achieving national education objectives by increasing enrollment, enhancing literacy, and aligning with the government’s strategic plans. It is important to note that 70% of private schools in Ghana are low-fee schools established to complement the government’s inability to provide sufficient school infrastructure nationwide or to absorb all Ghanaian children into the public system. Private schools are not backup but a key component of the education sector. They provide innovative, high-quality education, expand access to learning opportunities, and create employment for the Ghanaian youth. However, the introduction of the 30% priority placement policy significantly undermines the contributions of private schools, threatening both access and equity in Ghana’s education landscape. IDP Foundation, Inc. USAID Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum H.E John Dramani Mahama Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Child Rights International, Ghana Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition - GNECC

The President of the Ghana National Association Of Private Schools - GNAPS, Prof. Damasus Tuurosong has expressed deep disappointment in Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the former Minister of Education and current vice-presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party This reaction follows remarks by Dr. Opoku Prempeh criticizing the efforts of GNAPS and other members of the non-state education coalition, who recently petitioned the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) over the government’s controversial 30% priority placement policy. The policy in question reserves 30% of all placement slots in Category A public senior high schools for students from public basic schools, leaving the remaining 70% to be allocated to all qualifying students based on merit. This practice, GNAPS argues, is unfairly disruptive and undermines equity in Ghana's educational system. Video Credit: Metro TV

On a day like today, as the world celebrates children across the globe, the Ghana National Association Of Private Schools - GNAPS recognizes the boundless hope that Ghanaian children embody. Within the nurturing embrace of private schools, these young minds flourish—innovative, curious, and poised to revolutionize Ghana's development journey. Like a mother who nurtures and guides her children without favouritism, we call on the Government of Ghana to demonstrate fairness and equity for all Ghanaian children, irrespective of their social background or the type of school they attend—be it public or private. Every child deserves an equal opportunity to thrive and succeed. To parents, teachers, school proprietors, policymakers, and all champions of child development: let us remain steadfast in supporting our children. Let’s give them the wings to soar, the dreams to pursue, and the courage to build a prosperous future for themselves and our nation. Together, we can ensure that every child’s potential is realized, securing the promise of Ghana’s tomorrow. #faireducationforall #EducationEquality #quality #privateschooleducation #privateeducation #ghana #WorldChildrensDay #WorldChildrensDay2024 #November #EqualAccess #JusticeForAll IDP Foundation, Inc. USAID Ghana Education Service Global Schools Forum Global School Leaders Jacobs Foundation All-Africa Students Union (AASU) United Nations United Way Ghana GNECC GHANA CARE International in Ghana International Federation For Child Right Defense

The President of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS), Prof. Damasus Tuurosong, has called for the abolition of the 30% priority placement policy, advocating for fairness in educational opportunities. Speaking at a joint press conference held by GNAPS and the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) on November 4, 2024, at the Ghana International Press Centre, Prof. Tuurosong criticized the policy, which allocates 30% of admission slots in t… See more

𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝐆𝐍𝐀𝐏𝐒, 𝐆𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐒 & 𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐞𝐂-𝐆𝐡 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝟑𝟎% 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲! The Ghana National Association Of Private Schools - GNAPS, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 (𝐆𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐒), 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥-𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚 (𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐞𝐂-𝐆𝐡)𝐆𝐍𝐀𝐏𝐒, 𝐆𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐒, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐞𝐂-𝐆𝐡 on November 4, 2024, have petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to abolish the government's 𝟑𝟎% 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 for SHS admissions. This policy unfairly reserves 30% of top-tier SHS slots for public school students, sidelining private school candidates who excel academically. What We’re Fighting For: ✍ Fairness and equal opportunities for ALL students. ✍ A merit-based admission system that rewards hard work. ✍ An end to policies that discriminate against private school students. "𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞." – Prof. Damasus Tuurosong ,GNAPS President. We’ve called on CHRAJ to: ✍ Investigate the constitutionality of this policy. ✍ Recommend its immediate abolition. ✍ Push for a truly inclusive and merit-based system. Join the conversation! Let’s demand #FairEducationForAll! Read more: #EducationEquality #MeritBasedPlacement #GNAPSAdvocacy

🌍 𝐆𝐍𝐀𝐏𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐘 𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌 𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄 The Ghana National Association Of Private Schools - GNAPS participated in the 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐇𝐒 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 on October 10, 2024, held at the Charleston Hotel, Accra. This important forum, attended by key education stakeholders, focused on "𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐇𝐒: 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚." Discussions centred on the unintended consequences of the Free SHS policy and its impact on household poverty. The aim was to identify solutions that ensure equitable access to quality education for all Ghanaians. GNAPS, represented by the Media Relations Officer, Eredon Gien Joseph, highlighted the urgent need for 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜-𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 (𝐏𝐏𝐏) 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. This, he stated will address the overcrowding challenges in public senior high schools while many private institutions remain under-utilized. Did you know? • 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐇𝐒: Over 𝟒𝟎% of parents reported incurring additional expenses, such as fees for extra classes, boarding, and feeding, despite the Free SHS policy. • 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬: 𝟔𝟐% of parents indicated that the policy had prevented them from saving, highlighting the significant financial burden it places on families. • 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦: 𝟓𝟖% of parents expressed dissatisfaction with the Double Track System, indicating a need for alternative approaches to address enrollment pressures. • 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬: The private sector operates over 35,000 schools, including approximately 30% senior high schools, demonstrating their significant contribution to national education. Key findings from the dialogue highlighted the substantial financial strain on households, infrastructure challenges, and unintended social consequences of the Free SHS policy. These issues underscore the urgent need for a collaborative approach to education reform. GNAPS advocated for a more comprehensive Free SHS framework that includes private institutions. This would help alleviate overcrowding in public schools and provide students with a wider range of quality educational options. We extend our sincere gratitude to YAFO Institute for organizing this crucial dialogue and for their ongoing research. Their work is invaluable in informing policy decisions and shaping a better future for education in Ghana. GNAPS remains committed to advocating for all stakeholders to collaborate to ensure inclusive, quality education for every Ghanaian child. #GNAPS #FreeSHS #educationreform #privateschools #ghana #Advocacy #PPP #PublicPrivatePartnership #inclusiveeducationforall

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐍𝐀𝐏𝐒 𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬! For a historic first time for our 51-year-old association, GNAPS has engaged in productive dialogue with political parties to ensure that the concerns of the private educational sector are captured in their manifestoes. The GNAPS Manifesto identifies the challenges facing the non-state education sector in Ghana and outlines clear prospects for growth and improvement. As we scrutinize the various party manifestoes, we will focus on what they offer for pre-tertiary private school children. Gratitude to the IDP Foundation, Inc., for their mentorship, encouragement, and funding, which have been instrumental in driving this initiative forward. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for affordable non-state education in Ghana. IDP Foundation, Inc. Jacobs Foundation USAID Opportunity International Opportunity International Ghana Education Service #thepresidentspeaks #excerpt #GNAPSManifesto #EducationAdvocacy #privateschoolsghana #ghana #educationmatters #educationforall #childcare

At the 𝐆𝐍𝐀𝐏𝐒 𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐧, our President, Prof. Damasus Tuurosong delivered a powerful speech, highlighting the collective commitment of visionary school proprietors, accomplished administrators, esteemed policymakers, valued partners, and pivotal stakeholders to advancing education in Ghana. The chosen theme underscores our strategic intent to bring the concerns and aspirations of private schools to the forefront of the national political discourse. Together, we are driving meaningful change and ensuring our nation's sustainability of quality education. We've included for you the attached excerpts. #GNAPSConference2024 #EducationLeadership #privateschoolsghana #quotes #quality #privateschoollife