Private SHS are to be included in the Free SHS program
The Conference of Heads of Private Second Cycle Schools (CHOPSS) has described the government’s decision to include private senior high schools in the Free SHS policy as a “long-awaited breakthrough,” marking what many believe is a new chapter for Ghana’s education sector.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One Newsroom on Saturday, June 14, the Public Relations Officer of CHOPSS, Richard Kyei Naphtali, could barely contain his joy.
“Excitement is an understatement. We are more than elated.
“We think that it’s welcoming news. It is a long-awaited news. It is something we’ve always wanted to have, and I think it is the greatest opportunity we’ve been given. It is good,” he said.
The announcement was initially made on Monday, May 27, by the Ministry of Education during the launch of revised school selection guidelines for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates.
Under the new policy, candidates can now choose up to seven schools instead of six, with private SHSs officially included in the list of eligible institutions covered by the Free SHS programme.
For CHOPSS, this is not just a policy change—it’s a hard-won victory after years of advocacy.
Naphtali noted, “This inclusion marks a turning point for private institutions.
“We have consistently called for a level playing field and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national education delivery. Today, we have that chance.”
The school selection window, which opened on May 27, was originally expected to close on June 6, but has since been extended to June 25 to allow students more time to make informed choices.
