70 Private SHSs demand Free SHS arrears from gov’t
Accra, Ghana
Seventy private Senior High Schools participating in the Free Senior High School programme under a pilot arrangement are demanding the immediate release of government arrears owed to them.
The schools say subsidies meant to cover one hot meal per student daily, along with other recurring operational expenses, have been delayed throughout the 2025/2026 academic year. Authorities are yet to respond to their repeated concerns.
Schools operate without funding
According to the affected schools, they have continued to provide full academic and boarding services despite the funding gap. With the 2025/2026 academic year now drawing to a close, school administrators say the situation is affecting their ability to plan for the next term.
Speaking to Citi News on Friday, June 5, the Public Relations Officer of the Conference of Heads and Proprietors of Private Secondary Schools, CHOPSS, confirmed the delay.“The academic year is almost ending, and we have not been paid. We look forward to getting something from the government as we prepare for the next academic year,” the CHOPSS PRO stated.
Impact on the 2026/2027 academic year
The schools have warned that the delayed payments could disrupt preparations for the 2026/2027 academic calendar. Funds are needed to purchase foodstuffs, maintain dormitories and classrooms, and pay non-teaching staff before students return.
Without the subsidies, some private SHSs may be forced to reduce meal quality, limit extracurricular activities, or borrow funds to keep operations running. CHOPSS says this would affect the standard of education and welfare for students under the Free SHS arrangement.
Background: Free SHS pilot for private schools
The Free SHS policy was introduced by the government in 2017 to remove financial barriers to secondary education. Initially focused on public SHSs, the programme was later expanded to include select private schools under a pilot scheme.
The pilot aims to increase access and reduce congestion in public schools. Under the arrangement, private SHSs that meet government criteria admit students on the Free SHS programme. In return, the government pays a per-student subsidy to cover meals and basic operational costs.
The inclusion of private schools has helped absorb more students, especially in urban areas where public SHSs are overstretched. However, school heads have consistently raised concerns about delays in subsidy payments since the pilot began.
How the subsidy system works
The government pays private SHSs a fixed amount per student per term. The funds are meant to cover one hot meal daily, utilities, maintenance, and other recurrent expenses. Unlike public schools that receive direct budget allocations, private schools depend entirely on these reimbursements to run Free SHS classes.
Education experts note that the timely release of funds is critical for the sustainability of the pilot. When payments are delayed, private schools bear the cost upfront and risk financial strain.CHOPSS is urging the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance to prioritize the release of the outstanding arrears. The group says early payment will give schools enough time to prepare facilities, restock kitchens, and hire staff for the new academic year.
As discussions continue, students, parents, and school administrators are waiting to see how the government will address the funding gap.
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