Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has called for private schools to be treated as partners in national development, not as a pressure group. He stated that private school proprietors have invested significant resources into the nation’s most valuable asset, the Ghanaian child.
Mr. Bagbin made this call during his keynote address at the 30th Annual General Conference of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) in Ho. He explicitly said, “I do not treat GNAPS as a pressure group to be managed. I treat it as a constituency of investors who have put their own money into the most important asset this nation has, which is the Ghanaian child.” This statement underscores the financial commitment private entities make to education.
This perspective is crucial for Ghana’s economic narrative, where education is a cornerstone of human capital development and future productivity. Private schools complement public education, often filling gaps in access and quality, which directly impacts the workforce and economic growth. Their role in training generations of professionals and leaders has been historically significant, predating extensive state involvement in formal education.
Mr. Bagbin urged regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, National Schools Inspectorate Authority, and National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, to foster an environment where private schools can thrive. He acknowledged that regulation is necessary to safeguard children and maintain standards. However, he stressed that such measures must strengthen the private education sector, not undermine its operations or financial viability.
The Speaker also touched upon the conference theme, “Revolutionising Education: Transforming Ghana Through Innovation and Technology,” describing it as timely. He cautioned against adopting technological tools without adequately preparing teachers to use them effectively. Technology can only improve learning outcomes when educators possess the necessary skills, he noted. Simply providing smart boards or tablets does not constitute genuine educational innovation without proper training and integration.
Mr. Justice King Essiel Amevor, Vice President of GNAPS, speaking on behalf of the National President, Professor Damasus Tuurosong, affirmed that private schools continue to provide quality and affordable education. He highlighted their role in expanding access and enrollment across the country. Mr. Amevor emphasized that innovation and technology should drive meaningful transformation in teaching and learning. He stressed the importance of modern education focusing on creativity, critical thinking, coding, artificial intelligence, and digital problem-solving skills for students.
Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, represented by Togbe Ayim Adzokoto III, also called for practical measures to integrate technology into education. He stressed the importance of ensuring that schools in rural and underserved communities are not left behind in this technological advancement. Ghana cannot afford to be a spectator as technology reshapes global education, he added. He urged improvements in digital literacy, teacher training, internet connectivity, electricity supply, and access to appropriate devices. The chief further encouraged GNAPS to continue engaging government and regulatory institutions. This engagement ensures that public policies reflect the realities and contributions of private schools, recognizing public and private education as complementary pillars of national development. The three-day conference brought together private school proprietors, educationists, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss the role of innovation and technology in preparing Ghanaian children for the demands of the 21st-century economy.