GNAPS criticises government over GH₵48bn budget exclusion

The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) has expressed deep disappointment following the presentation of the 2027 Budget, accusing the government of neglecting the private education sector. Despite an overall allocation of GH₵48 billion to the ministry of education, GNAPS contends that private institutions—which cater to more than 40% of the nation's school-going children—have been largely excluded from direct financial support and key resource planning. The association argues that the current budgetary framework fails to recognise the significant contribution private schools make to the national human capital development.

In a statement reacting to the fiscal policy, the association highlighted that students in private schools continue to be denied access to critical resources funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund). GNAPS also pointed out a persistent disparity in the payment of examination fees, noting that the government has failed to extend financial assistance for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) registration to private school candidates. The association maintains that these students are Ghanaian children whose parents contribute to the tax pool, and they should therefore receive equitable treatment under national education policies.

To address these systemic gaps, GNAPS is calling for the immediate establishment of a Private Schools Desk within the Ministry of Education. This proposed desk would be tasked with ensuring that private institutions are represented in national education planning and that resource distribution is more inclusive. The association maintains that incorporating the private sector into the 2027 Budget is a necessary step to ensure that no child is left behind in the country’s quest for quality education, urging the government to revise the budget to reflect a more balanced approach to the entire education sector.