The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) has called on the government to abolish the 30% priority placement system for Category A Senior High School admissions, citing discrimination against private school students.
Currently, 30% of slots are reserved for public school students, while the remaining 70% are allocated based on merit to both public and private school students. The association emphasizes that every Ghanaian child deserves equal opportunities, regardless of school background.
Speaking at the press conference, Prof. Damasus Tuurosong, president of Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS), stressed that the 30% priority placement system unfairly favors public school students, overlooking the vital contributions of private schools in underserved communities.
He said the system undermines equal opportunity and meritocracy principles in education, disproportionately impacting private school students who deserve equal consideration for top-tier senior high school admissions.
Adding that the 30% priority placement system undermines fairness and equal access, fundamental principles of inclusive education. “Every Ghanaian child, regardless of public or private schooling, deserves equal access to public senior high schools.”
According to GNAPS president, over the past four years, organizations like GNAPS have successfully advocated against implementing this system, urging the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service to reconsider.”
Obenfo Nana K. Gyetuah, National executive director of Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS), said the 30% priority placement policy for Category A Senior High Schools violates private school students’ constitutional rights (Articles 17 and 25(2)).
To him, this policy unfairly discriminates against students attending legally recognized private institutions, denying equitable access based on academic merit. “Many private school students attend due to necessity, not privilege.”
He emphasize that the Ministry of Education’s policy penalizes families exercising their constitutional right to choose private education, creating a hierarchy deemining private school students as second-class citizens.
“30% priority placement policy for top senior high schools unlawfully discriminates against private school students, violating constitutional rights to equal access (Articles 17 and 25(2)).”
Source: Bernard K Dadzie; Greater Accra Region
