The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Adeji Awatey has assured Ghanaians that the government of John Dramani Mahama recognizes and values the continuous contribution of private schools in delivering quality education in the country.

The minister said the government is therefore committed to strengthening collaboration with the private sector to improve teacher learning and professional development and also align Curriculum with skills needed for the 21st century workforce by supporting the digital transformation in schools and promote policies that foster sustainability.

Speaking at the ongoing 2025 Private Schools Annual Educational and Leadership Summit at Bunso in the Eastern Region under the theme "Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future: The Role of Private Education," Awatey said 21st centaury education involves preparing learners to live responsibly in a global village thus integrating environmental education into curricula to nurture eco-conscious citizens.

This she said can be achieve by leveraging on technology to blend learning and digital literacy, ensuring that quality education is accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic background and encouraging values, integrity, empathy, civic engagement among students.

In this regard, private schools can lead by example by adapting sustainable practices within their operations, from energy efficiency in school buildings to community projects that promote environmental stewardship.

She disclosed that government will work hand-in-hand with private schools to reduce challenges confronting private education hence the admission of 60 private schools in the free senior high school policy in the piloting phase.

"The government will continue to provide policy framework and infrastructure to help bring out creativity, innovation, and leadership of the private education sector by working together to produce learners who are not just academically competent but who are also equipped with the skills, ethical values, and resilience to shape a better Ghana and a better world, " she said.

The Executive Director of Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah called on the government of Ghana and Ghanaian parents to see education as the foundational rock upon which great nations are built.

Obenfo Gyetua said from the great civilisations of history to the thriving economies of today, nations that have invested more in education have reaped the rewards of innovation, productivity and social harmony, hence Ghanaian education system must not only keep pace but rather must lead.

"As a nation, we cannot rely on outdated models to prepare our young people for the complexities and opportunities of the 21st century, where technological disruption is constant, where climate crisis is reshaping the environment and where the job market demands new skills at a rapid pace."

Obenfo Gyetuah said the theme resonate by calling on all Ghanaians to a higher vision, a deeper commitment and a more coordinated action plan to secure the destiny of children and the nation.

He indicated that in the agenda of transforming Ghana's education, private education is not a substitute but a cornerstone because from the bustling urban centres to the most remote rural communities, private schools have been and continue to be, a bridge for millions of children to access quality learning.

"Private education has step into the gap where resources are scarce, where government facilities are overburdened and where innovation is desperately needed and share a united commitment to nurturing minds, shaping character, and inspiring the next generation of Ghanaian leaders," he stated.

The Council thanked the government of Ghana for the growing recognition of private education as an indispensable partner in the quest for inclusive and equitable learning for all in the nations flagship programme the free SHS policy.

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"We also commend the Ministry of Education and its agencies for broadening the platform for private sector representation in educational governance by recognising the leadership of GNACOPS on key statutory boards, such as the National Teaching Council (NTC) and the National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA), reflecting a clear governmental resolve to ensure that the perspectives, expertise, and contributions of the private education sector are fully integrated"

"In ensuring sustainable governance for private schools while safeguarding quality, the council has expanded digital learning initiatives, empowering teachers and students with modern tools to enhance learning outcomes, introduced targeted professional development programmes for teachers and administrators, raising the standard of instruction and leadership.

"Others are launched the GNACOPS Vehicle Supply Partnership Initiative—an intervention that directly addresses the urgent national concern over unsafe school transport where affordable buses that meet national safety standards can be negotiated for because the journey to education must never endanger the children.

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"Beyond these tangible projects, we have also deepened our advocacy role—engaging policymakers, negotiating partnerships, and championing the cause of private education at national and international forums."

Obenfo Gyetuah said GNACOPS has mapped out seven critical operational units that is Coordination and Policy Development Unit, Financial Sustainability and Developmental Support Unit, Curriculum Standardization and Educational Development Unit, Research, Innovation and Stakeholder Engagement Unit,Support Services and Advocacy Unit and Support Services and Advocacy Unit.

These units, he said are made to protect, promote, enhance, sustain and above making private education more competitive in the country to help build the education system that at large will drive growth.

"To the government of Ghana, I say with conviction, Private education is not competition—it is completion. We are not parallel to the national education system; we are an integral part of it."