he Educate Africa Institute (EAI) has lauded the Ministry of Education for its decision to include Private Senior High Schools (SHSs) in the Free SHS programme, describing the move as a forward-thinking and pragmatic solution to address the country's educational infrastructure challenges.
According to EAI, the inclusion of private SHSs will significantly enhance equitable access to quality secondary education and help phase out the double-track system that has been in place due to limited infrastructure in public schools. "This inclusion demonstrates a forward-thinking, pragmatic approach to bridging infrastructure gaps and ensuring no child is left behind in the quest for quality education," said William Boadi, Executive Director of EAI in a statement on June 5, 2025. "As education advocates, we view this policy as a strategic intervention to promote synergy between government and private sector actors and as a means to generate employment opportunities in various communities across the country." While commending the initiative, EAI also called on the government to complement this policy shift with the expedited completion of the Community E-Block schools nationwide.
The E-Blocks, which were introduced to expand access to secondary education, are seen as critical to accommodating the growing student population brought on by the Free SHS policy, especially in underserved areas. "These modern facilities will help decongest public schools, create more equitable learning opportunities, and support the return to the single-track system, all of which are essential for enhancing the overall quality of secondary education in the country," Boadi emphasised.
EAI reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to build a resilient and inclusive education system that meets the needs and aspirations of all Ghanaian children.
