The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, has underscored the government’s intention to deepen collaboration with private schools.

This he said was arrived at following the recognition of the critical and complementary roles private schools play in educating the populace, contributing to increase the country's literacy rate and enriching its human resources. .

Speaking at the 20th anniversary durbar of Sonrise Christian High School in Titrinu in the Volta Region, he hinted at the extension of the Free Senior High School policy to cover more private schools.

“As a government, we will continue to deepen our partnership with private schools through policy support, financing opportunities, and regulatory fairness. Private education is not in competition with government-run schools; they are complementary to our efforts”, he said.

He indicated that about 40% of basic school learners slot deposit pulsa attend private schools, while private institutions constitute 33% of Senior High Schools, according to a 2023 survey by the Ghana Education Service and its partners.

Skills, not certificates, will define success in the economic sector

Mr. Nortsu-Kotoe stressed Ghana needs to start preparing tomorrow’s leaders who can adapt to the ever-changing job market.

He admonished educational institutions to go beyond just good academics and certificate and focus on imparting skills and preparing students to be able to “adapt, innovate and uphold values in times of change”.

“By 2050, Africa is predicted to be home to one-third of the world's youth population, with Ghana projected to have over 50% of its population under the age of 25. I dare say that in the next few years, skills and attitudes, not just certificates, will define socioeconomic success.”

“Therefore, in an increasingly liberalizing world, the challenge is not just to raise smart leaders, but agile and adaptable leaders”, he added.

Sonrise’s contribution to shaping future leaders

Mr Nortsu-Kotoe lauded Sonrise Christian High School on shaping its curriculum towards producing “future-ready” students.

He also lauded the infrastructure development of the school, its performance at the National Science and Maths Quiz, and urged other private educational institutions to emulate the same.

“Drawing from the Sonrise example, I believe private schools can play three key roles in preparing future-ready leaders, and they are as follows: deliver holistic education, integrate technology and innovation, and nurture values and discipline”, he advised

Innovation and holistic development

The Founder and Administrator of Sonrise Christian High School, Joseph Dzamesi, said the institution has maintained about 80% university qualification historically, and recorded 90% in 2024, a historic feat.

He stressed that his outfit is committed to producing well-rounded leaders equipped with the requisite skills and morals to lead with distinction.

He narrated that Sonrise Christian High SChool is the only private educational institution offering Sign Language as a core subject, explaining the initiative is aimed at promoting integration and equality.

“At Sonrise, Sign Language is a core subject, ensuring every student leaves with a unique skill to serve society better. We invest in sports, debate, Cadet, drama, and choir, ensuring that our students develop confidence and leadership.”

“Our Sonrise Day of Service teaches compassion and civic duty from supporting the Ho Teaching Hospital's E-Health Centre to serving at the Prisons, Shelter Homes, and the Leprosarium”, he said.

Infrastructure development

Mr. Dzamesi said the school has witnessed drastic infrastructure development within the last 20 years, from the eight-classroom incubation facility.

The school now has a 700-seater auditorium and 800-seater dining hall, 16-bed clinic with resident nurses, state-of-the-art administration block with a 50-unit. ICT lab and library

Others are a tennis court with stands and changing rooms, a reverse osmosis water system, and a 100 KVA generator to ensure a sustainable power supply across the campus.

“These facilities rival the best public schools in the country, proof that private education can be world-class and still accessible”, he said.