By Erica Apeatua Addo
Tarkwa (W/R), Mar. 13, GNA – The Coalition of Parents of Students in Private Institutions (COPOSIPI) is advocating the government’s GH¢3.5 billion allocation for free education to be extended to private institutions.
According to the group, it has consistently advocated for the government to extend the free education to private institutions.
Reacting to the 2025 budget statement, Dr Simon Gbene, the Executive Secretary of COPOSIPI, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that parents in private institutions paid taxes, and should also benefit from the government’s support.
He said, “The 2025 budget statement has brought us encouraging news in the education sector. Previously, the lack of a dedicated fund forced the government to scramble for resources. Now COPOSIPI hope the government’s free education fund will cover private schools to relief the numerous burdens on parents”.
Mr Gbene stated that extending the free education programme to private institutions could create thousands of jobs, promote social mobility, and boost economic growth.
He commended the government for abolishing some taxes, such as the betting tax and e-levy, adding, plans should be made to remove others, like the COVID-19 levy, to ease financial burdens on Ghanaians.
On the “Big Push” initiative, backed by a dedicated fund, which aimed to overhaul Ghana’s deteriorated roads, that has become a death trap, the executive secretary said if successfully implemented it could help save lives and boost the economy.
He cited “The cost of transporting goods from rural areas to urban centres is a significant contributor to inflation, particularly in the food sector. While prices may be low at the farm gate, they increase by the time they reach the urban markets, with transportation costs being a major factor.”
Mr Gbene added that the new budget also offered a promising outlook, especially with 80% of the District Assembly Common Fund returning to local governance, and assembly members receiving allowances.
He charged assembly members to take their work seriously from henceforth and ensure that funds that would be allocated to the various districts would be properly utilized to benefit their communities.
“The government’s budget proposals are just the first step. Now, they need to generate the revenue to fund them. By paying our taxes and also reporting any tax evasion or wrongdoing to the appropriate authorities, we can help provide the necessary funds to turn these proposals into reality” Mr Gbene explained.
GNA
JP/CA