Addressing the launch of the 2024 annual week celebration of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools, the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, underscored the pivotal role of private schools as collaborative partners with the government in delivering quality education for Ghanaian children.
Mr Mahama commended the significant contributions of private schools to the educational sector, describing them as trailblazers and pioneers responsible for introducing innovative teaching techniques.
Notably, he cited the Montessori curriculum as an exemplary instance, initially implemented by private schools and later adopted by some public institutions to enhance teaching and learning methodologies.
The former president, leading the NDC into the upcoming December presidential and parliamentary elections, emphasized the effectiveness of private schools in addressing the needs of special children, attributing it to their favorable teacher-to-pupil ratio.
He highlighted the challenges faced by public schools with high student numbers, making it difficult for educators to cater to individualized needs, especially for those with special requirements.
Mr Mahama assured the private schools’ association that an NDC government, if elected, would prioritize education, convening stakeholders to conduct a comprehensive review of the entire education structure, spanning from basic to tertiary levels.
He outlined plans for substantial investments in basic education starting from 2025, aiming to fortify the foundation of the education sector.
Regarding secondary education, the NDC leader committed to extending the free Senior High School (SHS) program to include private secondary schools.
Mr Mahama acknowledged the infrastructure and human resources capabilities of many private institutions, positioning them as integral contributors to the successful implementation of the free SHS initiative.
Mr Mahama referenced a recent Edu-Watch report, shedding light on the persistent financial burden shared by parents and the government at the secondary education level.
Despite the implementation of the free SHS policy, parents still bear approximately 77% of the total cost of their children’s education, as revealed in the report.