The Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Education and Member of Parliament (MP) for Akatsi-North, Mr Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with private schools through improved policy support, financing options, and equitable regulation.

He stressed that private schools are not in competition with public institutions but rather complement national efforts to provide quality and accessible education to every Ghanaian child.

Mr Nortsu-Kotoe made these remarks as the guest speaker at the 20th anniversary celebration of Sonrise Christian High School in Ho. The event was held on the theme: “20 Years of Holistic Christian Education, Transforming Lives; Igniting the Future.”

He recalled that it was in recognition of the crucial role of private schools that the John Dramani Mahama-led NDC administration included them in the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy to ensure no Ghanaian child was excluded from accessing secondary education.

Mr Nortsu-Kotoe encouraged private schools to move beyond the pursuit of academic excellence alone and focus on nurturing critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving abilities in learners. He also underscored the need to promote entrepreneurship to help students become job creators rather than seekers of limited white-collar opportunities.

He commended Sonrise Christian High School for introducing sign language as a core subject, describing the initiative as inclusive and forward-thinking. He disclosed that the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education would recommend to the Ministry of Education the introduction of sign language studies at the SHS level.

Additionally, he praised the school’s adoption of solar energy, noting that such cost-saving measures could help schools reduce their operational expenses. He said similar interventions had been proposed in the past but were never implemented.

Citing national statistics, Mr Nortsu-Kotoe revealed that as of 2023, private schools constituted 33 per cent of all SHSs and 40 per cent of basic schools in Ghana. In urban areas, about 60 per cent of primary school pupils attended private institutions—evidence that millions of children rely on the private sector for quality education.

The founder of Sonrise Christian High School, Mr Joseph Jamesi, attributed the school’s success to discipline and strong Christian values. He said 92 per cent of the school’s graduates gained admission into tertiary institutions annually and announced plans to establish a technical and vocational training institute to equip young people with practical skills.

As part of the celebration, management honoured committed teachers and staff. Mr Andrews Opoku, a Business Management and Economics tutor, was adjudged Best Teacher and awarded a flat-screen TV, laptop, and plaque. Eleven other staff members received prizes including refrigerators and washing machines.