For many parents, the choice of private education is less about affluence and more about quality.
As Ghana advances its education reform agenda, one critical component that deserves greater attention is the role of the private sector.
Private schools have historically played a pivotal role in Ghana’s education system, with roots tracing back to the precolonial era.
Today, they continue to serve as vital partners in delivering education, especially in areas where public infrastructure is limited or overstretched.
Despite their contributions, government policy has largely marginalised private education. Support from the state often focuses narrowly on capacity building, while financial sustainability is left entirely to parents and school proprietors.
The prevailing assumption is that parents who enrol their wards in private schools can afford it. However, this overlooks a more nuanced reality.
Why parents choose private schools
For many parents, the choice of private education is less about affluence and more about quality.
Public basic schools are often plagued with issues such as overcrowded classrooms, inadequate teaching resources, and weak supervision.
These challenges serve as strong push factors, driving parents—many from low-income backgrounds—to seek alternatives they believe offer a better future for their children.
Yet, not all private schools operate from a position of strength. While a few are well-resourced and cater to middle- or high-income families, a significant number of private schools—particularly those in low-income communities—struggle with poor infrastructure and limited resources.
Still, they continue to fill a critical gap by providing access to education for underprivileged children where public options are either unavailable or inadequate.
The funding challenge
One of the most pressing issues facing low-fee private schools is financing. The fees charged are often too low to cover basic operational and infrastructure costs.
Despite their importance, these schools receive no direct financial support from the government. Budget constraints and limited education funding have made state assistance difficult, forcing schools to look elsewhere for support.
Opportunity Interna
tional’s EduFinance
intervention
Recognising the critical role of low-fee private schools, Opportunity International has, through its EduFinance initiative, offered a lifeline to many struggling institutions.
EduFinance provides soft loans to schools for infrastructure improvements and to parents to help pay tuition. This dual approach eases the financial burden on both school owners and families.
Additionally, the EduQuality programme, a core component of EduFinance, offers professional development to school leaders and teachers.
The initiative equips educators to self-assess and improve their schools across 18 quality domains, including leadership, teaching practices, and school culture.
Impact
Over 16.3 million children have gained access to quality education with 203 financial institutions now partnering with Opportunity International.
About 83 per cent of participating schools have reported improved educational quality and 50 per cent have shown substantial improvements in school performance through self-assessment.
Real-World Impact:
Stories from Kasoa
A recent media tour of schools in the Kasoa area shed light on the tangible benefits of the EduFinance programme.
Schools such as Springboard Education Centre, Supreme Care Academy, Way of Peace Montessori Academy, and Bright Future School serve hundreds of children in communities where public education is inadequate.
Ms Grace Frimpoma Boahin, headmistress of Springboard, highlighted the school’s daily fee of just nine Ghana cedis, including feeding, aimed at easing access for parents.
However, infrastructure challenges and student absenteeism, especially during rainy days, remain key hurdles.
Mr Ransford Gyekye, proprietor of Supreme Care Academy, recalled how the school started with only four students in 2009 and has grown to over 460 students.
Despite the school’s success—including a 4th place ranking out of 200 schools in the 2018 BECE—funding remains a constraint.
He noted that high interest rates on loans limit their ability to expand and called on the government to address the imbalance in school placement policies that favour public schools.
Similarly, Ms Precious Asiamah of Cute Stars Childcare emphasized the benefits of leadership and teaching training under EduQuality.
Mr Thomas Ayueagandi, PTA Chair of Bright Future School, appealed for improved infrastructure, including a bridge to ensure accessibility during the rainy season.
The path forward
Mr Stephen Yankey, Manager of EduFinance at Opportunity International, reported that over GH¢100 million has been disbursed to schools over the past 20 years, with GH¢16.2 million disbursed in 2024 alone.
However, he noted that some schools are unable to access loans due to lack of registration with the National Schools Inspectorate Authority or poor bookkeeping practices—issues the organisation is actively addressing through awareness and training.
Crucially, Mr Yankey emphasized that equitable access to funding and capacity building for private schools, especially those in underserved areas, is essential to delivering quality education for all Ghanaian children.
Conclusion
As Ghana seeks to transform its education system, it cannot afford to ignore the contributions—and needs—of low-fee private schools. These institutions are not just service providers; they are community anchors. With the right support—financial, regulatory, and technical—they can be empowered to continue bridging educational gaps and shaping brighter futures for the country’s children.
The author is a Chief Reporter- Ghanaian Times
Email: cliffff86@yahoo.com
BY CLIFF EKUFUL
