“Abolish the 30% Placement Policy Now!”—GNAPS President Decries Systemic Discrimination Against Private School StudentsÂ
The President of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS), Prof. Damasus Tuurosong, has issued a compelling call for justice, demanding the abolition of the 30% priority placement policy. This government policy reserves 30% of admission slots in top-tier Senior High Schools (SHSs) for public school students, leaving private school students to compete for the remaining 70% alongside their public-school peers.Â
“This policy is a glaring injustice,” Prof. Tuurosong declared at a news conference in Accra. “It discriminates against private school students who work just as hard, achieve just as much, and are equally deserving of opportunities.”Â
The GNAPS President criticized the policy as a deliberate attempt to create an uneven playing field, unfairly punishing private school students and their families. He argued that the system assumes all private schools are better resourced than public schools, ignoring the existence of low-fee private schools in rural areas that serve marginalized families.Â
“Children Should Not Be Penalized for Their Parents’ Choices”Â
Prof. Tuurosong emphasized that many families make immense sacrifices to send their children to private schools, often because public schools are unavailable or underperforming in their communities. “How can the Ministry of Education justify penalizing these children for their parents’ decision to seek quality education?” he asked.Â
In his address, the GNAPS leader accused the Ministry of fostering an unjust system that sidelines meritocracy and equality. “Every Ghanaian child deserves the chance to compete fairly for a spot in top-tier SHSs, regardless of whether they attended a public or private school,” he asserted.Â
GNACOPS Joins the FightÂ
Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, the National Executive Director of the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) at the joint press conference reiterated , called the policy a violation of Ghana’s Constitution. “Article 25(2) guarantees the right to establish private schools and protects students in these schools from discrimination. This policy undermines these rights,” he said.Â
GNACOPS, GNAPS, and other stakeholders have filed a petition with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), urging the commission to:Â
- Investigate the constitutionality of the 30% placement policy.
- Recommend its abolition in favor of a merit-based system.
- Direct the Ministry of Education to adopt equitable admission policies for all students.
Fighting for FairnessÂ
Prof. Tuurosong also highlighted the emotional toll the policy takes on students. He shared examples of private school candidates whose exceptional BECE results were withheld by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) under suspicion of malpractice, only to be cleared after lengthy delays. “These students deserve better. The system must be fixed,” he demanded.Â
Both leaders reiterated that private schools are not elite institutions for the privileged but vital education providers for underserved communities. “The 30% placement policy does not promote equity; it perpetuates systemic inequality,” Prof. Tuurosong concluded.Â
A Call to ActionÂ
GNAPS and GNACOPS have vowed to intensify their advocacy, urging policymakers to act swiftly. “We are not asking for special favors,” Obenfo Nana Gyetuah said. “We are demanding fairness, meritocracy, and respect for the rights of all Ghanaian children.”Â
The clock is ticking for the government to respond. As Prof. Tuurosong aptly stated, “The Ministry of Education must prove it is the father of all children, whether they are from public or private school backgrounds. Anything less is a betrayal of justice and equality.”Â
This united front sends a powerful message: the 30% priority placement policy must end to ensure Ghana’s education system reflects fairness and inclusivity for all.
