Ghana, like many of its neighbours, has an education sector heavily dominated by private and independent schools. Indeed, today there are at least 21,000 private schools across the country – the majority offering “basic” level education (primary and junior high school) with a small number offering senior high school (non-compulsory). Whilst these schools are all fee-paying, many are heavily subsidised by faith-based missions or charge minimal fees to ensure access to struggling families. Many offer a boarding option and most offer some form of international education (typically British). With increasing state intervention over recent years, many of Ghana’s private schools have chosen to form collective associations in order to defend their positions and to ensure a representative voice in discussions with government. The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) is one of the largest of these organisations and is considered to be one of the primary associations recognised by the Ghanaian government (meaning a seat at the table in discussions affecting the sector).
