The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality secondary education through a new partnership with private schools aimed at ending the double-track system.
Speaking at a ceremony to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Education (MoE), the Ghana Education Service (GES), and the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) at the Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly, Hon. Iddrisu described the agreement as a fulfillment of a key campaign pledge by President John Dramani Mahama.
He said the initiative seeks to address the challenges that have affected the effective implementation of the Free Senior High School policy, including overcrowding, limited placement opportunities, and the declining quality of instruction under the double-track system.
“The UP is the people’s response to disappointment and disillusionment. Ghanaians are tired of the endless cycle of promises and excuses,” Alan Kyerematen told a packed audience of supporters, media personnel and civil society figures. “Today, we begin a movement to unite our people, end the duopoly, and bring prosperity to every Ghanaian.”
The Minister explained that under the agreement, government has placed about 25,000 students who otherwise would have missed out on secondary education into private senior high schools. He noted that 70 private schools have been selected for the pilot phase, with a total declared vacancy of 44,000 seats.
Hon. Iddrisu announced that government will provide a stipend of GH¢250 per student to support their transition into private schools, stressing that the arrangement will help reduce pressure on public institutions while maintaining standards.
“These students are Ghanaians entitled to equal educational opportunities under the Constitution,” the Minister said. “We are determined to ensure no child’s education ends because of limited space in public schools.”
He also acknowledged the collaboration of stakeholders including the Conference of Heads of Proprietors of Private Secondary Schools (CHOPSS), the Ghana Education Service, and the Ghana National Council of Private Schools for their readiness to partner with government in this historic inclusion.
The Minister further assured that provisions have been made in the 2026 Budget Statement to sustain the partnership, adding that institutions meeting the required quality standards will be approved to participate fully in the programme.
“We cannot terminate the dreams of young people simply because of resource constraints,” he said. “This partnership is a shared commitment to inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.”
Hon. Iddrisu concluded by expressing gratitude to education leaders and private school proprietors for their willingness to support the government’s vision of ending the double-track system and improving access to free, quality senior high school education for every Ghanaian child.