The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) paid a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Schools, Prof. Azeko Salifu Tahiru, to discuss key issues regarding private school registration and licensing, pledging to work together for quality standards in education.
In a significant move aimed at fostering collaboration between private schools and the regulatory authorities, the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) paid a courtesy call on the Inspector-General of Schools (IGS), Prof. Azeko Salifu Tahiru, on March 28, 2025 at his office in Accra.
The GNAPS delegation, led by their President, Dr. Damasus Tuurosong, congratulated Prof. Azeko Salifu Tahiru on his recent appointment and extended their full support to the Inspector-General’s vision for improving education standards across the country. The meeting was an opportunity for both parties to discuss important matters that affect the operations and regulation of private schools in Ghana.
Key Discussions and Areas of Concern
During the meeting, the delegation from GNAPS brought forward several pressing concerns, particularly around the registration and licensing of private schools. These issues have been a significant challenge for private school operators in Ghana, and the association sought to engage with the IGS to find solutions that would ensure the efficient and transparent registration process for private schools.
Dr. Tuurosong, in his address, highlighted that many private school operators have faced difficulties in navigating the complex registration process. This issue, according to him, has sometimes led to confusion and delays, which in turn affects the delivery of education and the regulatory oversight of private institutions. The GNAPS president urged the Inspector-General to streamline the registration process, making it more accessible and less cumbersome for private schools across the country.
In response, Prof. Tahiru expressed his full commitment to ensuring that the concerns of private school operators are addressed in a way that benefits the broader education system. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the current system and assured the GNAPS delegation that the Ministry of Education, through his office, was already exploring strategies to simplify the registration and licensing procedures.
“We must ensure that every school, whether public or private, adheres to the highest educational standards. Our goal is to create an educational environment that fosters innovation, quality learning, and inclusivity, regardless of whether the school is public or private,” Prof. Tahiru emphasized.
Commitment to Quality Education
A key outcome of the meeting was a mutual agreement to work closely in ensuring that quality standards within pre-tertiary schools across Ghana are maintained and improved. Both GNAPS and the IGS acknowledged that private schools play a crucial role in providing diverse educational opportunities for students, and therefore, it is essential that they meet the same high standards expected of public institutions.
The Inspector-General of Schools reiterated his office’s commitment to strengthening the regulatory framework that governs all schools in Ghana. He emphasized the importance of quality assurance, continuous monitoring, and support for private schools, to ensure that they are operating in compliance with national educational standards.
“Quality education is not just a responsibility of the government but a collective effort that involves private institutions as well. We will work together to ensure that both public and private schools provide our children with the best possible learning environment,” Prof. Tahiru said.
GNAPS’s Vision for Collaboration
Following the fruitful discussions, Dr. Tuurosong reaffirmed GNAPS’s readiness to collaborate with the IGS and the Ministry of Education to ensure the growth and development of private schools in the country. He pointed out that with increased cooperation, there is the potential for private schools to contribute even more significantly to the educational landscape of Ghana.
“Our aim is not only to expand access to education but to ensure that education in private schools remains innovative, inclusive, and of the highest quality. We believe that by working together with the IGS and the Ministry of Education, we can improve both the regulatory framework and the educational experience for students,” Dr. Tuurosong stated.
Looking Forward: A Partnership for Progress
Both parties agreed to further engage in regular consultations and develop a framework that will address the challenges faced by private schools, ensuring that they meet the best practices in education. The discussions also focused on the need for continuous professional development for private school teachers and the role of private schools in contributing to the national educational goals set out by the government.
As the meeting concluded, both the GNAPS delegation and Prof. Azeko Salifu Tahiru expressed optimism about the future of private education in Ghana, with a commitment to working together to address challenges, share ideas, and ultimately improve the quality of education offered in the country.
Conclusion
The courtesy visit by the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) to the Inspector-General of Schools marks an important step toward improving the private school sector in Ghana. By addressing issues such as school registration and licensing, and reinforcing the commitment to quality standards, both parties are laying the groundwork for better educational outcomes for students across the country. As they continue to collaborate, the future of private education in Ghana looks set to be brighter and more aligned with national educational goals.
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