70 Private SHSs Demand Payment of Free SHS Arrears as Academic Year Ends

Seventy private Senior High Schools enrolled in the Free SHS programme under a pilot scheme say delays in government payments are threatening their operations and preparations for the next academic year.

The schools are demanding immediate payment of arrears, saying they have not received subsidies for the entire 2025/2026 academic year, which is now ending. The funds are meant to cover one hot meal a day for students and other recurring operational costs.

Speaking to Citi News on Friday, June 5, 2026, the Public Relations Officer of the Conference of Heads and Proprietors of Private Secondary Schools, Naphtali Kyei-Baffour, described the situation as urgent.

“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,” he said.

According to the schools, services were provided throughout the academic year despite the lack of payment. They say authorities have yet to respond to their concerns.

The Free SHS pilot with private schools was introduced to ease overcrowding in public institutions.