The Minister of Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) and the Conference of Heads of Private Secondary Schools (CHOPSS) to formalise a partnership aimed at expanding access to Senior High School (SHS) education through collaboration with private schools.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Iddrisu outlined the government’s determination to address the persistent challenges within the education sector, particularly those caused by the double-track system, which he noted has affected teaching and learning outcomes in public schools.

“This partnership represents a bold step toward ending the double-track system and ensuring that every Ghanaian child has access to quality secondary education,” the Minister stated.

Under the agreement, the government will place SHS students in accredited private schools to ease congestion in public institutions.

Already, 25,000 students have been placed in private schools as part of the initiative.

To support the transition, Mr. Iddrisu announced that the government will provide a stipend of at least GH₵250 per student, ensuring smooth integration and sustainability of the programme.

The Minister added that the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) will assess participating private schools to ensure they meet the required academic and infrastructural standards.

Schools that do not meet the criteria will be given time to improve before being included in the placement scheme.

He commended the leadership of GNACOPS and CHOPSS for their cooperation and willingness to work with the government, emphasising that the partnership will help bridge educational gaps and guarantee fair access to quality learning opportunities nationwide.

“Education remains the cornerstone of national development,” Mr. Iddrisu said.

“This collaboration demonstrates our shared responsibility to provide every Ghanaian child with the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.”

The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of students who might otherwise have been unable to access secondary education due to limited infrastructure in public schools.

With this partnership, the Ministry of Education aims to expand access, improve quality, and gradually phase out the double-track system, advancing Ghana’s goal of universal secondary education.