The President of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools, Professor Tuurosong Damasus, has welcomed the government’s decision to include private senior high schools in the Free Senior High School (SHS) program.

According to professor Damasus this move is expected to help reduce congestion in public schools and provide more opportunities for students in the private schools.

In an exclusive interview on Wednesday May 28, 2025, on Fabea FM with Apiah-Kubi, professor Damasus said private schools had proposed this inclusion to the government as a solution to alleviate overcrowding in public schools, which had led to the introduction of the double-track system.

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“The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has now listened to our plea and included us in the free senior high school program”, Professor Damasus expressed.

The President expressed satisfaction that private schools will be able to enroll more students under the Free SHS program, which will have a positive impact on the private education sector.

However, professor Damasus noted that timely release of resources from the government will be crucial for private schools to operate effectively.

“With preparations underway, private schools are ready to participate in the Free SHS program and provide quality education to students”, he stated.

“This development is expected to improve access to education and reduce the financial burden on parents”, professor Damasus added.

He believes the inclusion of the private schools in the free senior high school program will help alleviate overcrowding in the public schools.

In conclusion, professor Damasus’s remarks highlight the potential benefits of including private schools in the free SHS programme, and expressed optimism that the government will enhance access to quality education for Ghanaian students.