Private schools condemn 30% priority placement policy, demand merit-based admissions

The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) and the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) have strongly condemned the government’s 30% priority placement policy for Category A senior high schools, labelling it discriminatory and unconstitutional.

Addressing a joint press conference in Accra on Thursday, November 14, the two organisations demanded the immediate abolition of the policy, which reserves 30% of admissions in top-tier schools exclusively for students from public junior high schools.

Prof. Damastus Tuurosong, President of GNAPS, criticised the policy for unfairly penalising students from private schools and infringing on their constitutional rights.

He noted that the policy has compelled many parents to transfer their children from private to public schools in their final year of junior high education to improve their chances of gaining admission to Category A senior high schools.

“This policy has led to a decline in enrolment in private schools, causing significant financial strain on school owners,” Prof. Tuurosong stated. “Democracy thrives on rights and freedoms, and when the rights of children are violated, everyone must be concerned.”

He argued that the allocation does not achieve the equity the government claims to promote, highlighting that about 70% of government schools are better resourced than many private schools.

“Yet private school students are being denied opportunities based on their school type rather than their academic performance,” he added.

Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, Executive Director of GNACOPS, emphasized the constitutional foundation of private education in Ghana, citing Article 25(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees every individual the right to establish and maintain private schools.

He stressed that private education is a legitimate and protected aspect of the nation’s educational system. Highlighting the role of private schools, Gyetuah noted that over 22,660 private institutions account for more than 42% of pre-tertiary education, debunking the perception that they serve only the elite.

“Contrary to misconceptions, the majority of private schools are not elite institutions catering to the wealthy. Research by USAID in 2020 indicates that over 70% of private schools are categorised as low-cost institutions, serving families who choose them out of necessity rather than privilege.”

Both organisations argued that the 30% policy violates constitutional provisions, particularly Article 25(2), which guarantees equitable access to public educational opportunities, and Article 17, which ensures equality before the law.

They stated that the policy creates an artificial hierarchy that treats private school students as second-class citizens, undermining fairness, meritocracy, and the rule of law.

In response, GNAPS and GNACOPS have petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), calling for the abolition of the 30% policy and its replacement with a merit-based admission system.

They also urged the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to adopt policies that respect the rights of private school students and ensure compliance with constitutional provisions guaranteeing equality and fairness.

“This is not just a fight for private schools—it is a fight for justice, equality, and the Constitution. We urge the government and CHRAJ to act swiftly, as every day this policy remains in effect, the rights of Ghanaian children are being violated,” Prof. Tuurosong declared. 

The conference concluded with a firm resolution from GNAPS and GNACOPS to explore legal avenues to ensure the policy’s revocation and the establishment of a merit-based admission system.