Former President John Dramani Mahama has said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have begun talks to make private Senior High schools (SHS) beneficiaries of the Free SHS programme.

He disclosed that the NDC is already discussing with the Ghana National Council for Private Schools (GNCOPS) on how students admitted into private SHS can benefit from the programme under his administration.

“At my last meeting with the Council for Private Schools, we also discussed how government can support private schools including quality and effective professional teacher development”.

He said this addressing a congregation at the 15th anniversary celebration of the Assin Fosu-based St. Andrews Senior High School on Saturday, March 14.

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According to Mr. Mahama, “we cannot as a country continue to gloss over the huge impact and the role private schools play in the development of education in Ghana,” adding that he is personally committed to enabling a partnership with the Council for Private Schools that is mutually beneficial to them and the State.

This, he said, “will include among others a tax exemptions system for certain educational tools and equipment, and tax incentives for private school operators”.

The NDC Flagbearer also urged the students to study hard, eschew laziness and avoid other bad behaviours that can affect their future prospects.

He also educated the gathering on personal hygiene and how to protect themselves and others from the rampaging coronavirus pandemic.

The anniversary programme was chaired by Daasebre Nana Kwebu Ewusi VII, Paramount Chief of Abeadze and Vice President of the National House of Chiefs.

Also present were former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Minister of State in charge of Tertiary Education Professor Kwesi Yankah, the NDC Member of Parliament for Agona East Queenstar Maame Pokuaa Sawyerr, and the Central Regional Chairman of the NDC and other executives of the party.