GNACOPS and GNAPS Demand CHRAJ Investigation into 30% Public School Placement Priority

Ferdinand | EducationGhana |  November 17| GNACOPS and GNAPS Demand CHRAJ Investigation into 30% Public School Placement Priority

 GNACOPS and GNAPS have petitioned CHRAJ, urging an investigation into the 30% placement priority for public school students, citing constitutional violations against private school candidates.

GNACOPS and GNAPS Petition CHRAJ Over 30% Public School Placement Priority

The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) and the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) have jointly urged the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the current 30% placement priority granted to students from public basic schools. This policy, they argue, unfairly disadvantages students from private institutions during the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) school placement process.

Press Conference Highlights Concerns

At a joint press conference held at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra on Thursday, November 14, GNACOPS National Executive Director, Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, expressed serious reservations about the policy. He argued that it infringes on the constitutional rights of private school students as outlined in Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, which emphasizes equality before the law and non-discrimination.

Policy’s Impact on Private School Students

The current system grants a 30% placement advantage to candidates from public schools, which Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah stated deprives academically qualified private school students of fair access to top-tier schools. This, he noted, contradicts the principles of equal educational opportunities enshrined in Article 25(5) of the 1992 Constitution and places private school students at a distinct disadvantage.

A Call for Constitutional Compliance

In his address, Obenfo Gyetuah pointed out that Article 25(2) supports the establishment and maintenance of private schools and guarantees them protection under the law. The GNACOPS leader argued that the 30% placement priority is an unjust barrier, contrary to these constitutional assurances.

“We urge CHRAJ to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend the discontinuation of this policy if it is found unconstitutional,” Obenfo Gyetuah stated. “Every child, irrespective of their school background, deserves equal treatment and access to educational opportunities based solely on merit.”

Recommendations for Change

GNACOPS and GNAPS are advocating for a shift to a merit-based placement system that ensures fair competition for all BECE candidates. They emphasized that the government has a duty, under Article 25(2), to provide equitable educational opportunities and uphold the legal rights of students from both public and private institutions.

The Urgency of Reform

The associations underscored the urgency of addressing this issue, stressing that the policy’s continued enforcement perpetuates inequality and infringes upon the constitutional rights of Ghana’s children. Obenfo Gyetuah concluded, “We need swift action from CHRAJ to restore fairness and ensure that educational placement reflects the true academic abilities of students.”

Conclusion

The petition submitted by GNACOPS and GNAPS calls for a re-evaluation of the 30% public school placement priority, advocating for a fair, merit-based admission process. The outcome of CHRAJ’s investigation could signal significant changes for educational policy in Ghana, ensuring that all students, regardless of their school of origin, are given equal opportunities based on academic merit.