Education in Ghana

EDUCATION IN GHANA

Ghana education system

The education system in Ghana is based on a 6-3-4-4 system, which means:

  • 6 years of Primary Education: This is for
    children aged 6 to 12. It covers basic subjects like
    Mathematics, English Language, Social Studies,
    Integrated Science, and more.
  • 3 years of Junior High School (JHS): This is for
    students aged 12 to 15. It builds on the foundation
    laid in primary education and introduces more
    specialized subjects.
  • 4 years of Senior High School (SHS): This is for
    students aged 15 to 19. Students here choose
    between three tracks: General, Technical/Vocational,
    or Pre-University. The General track includes Science,
    Arts, and Business courses.
  • 4 years of Tertiary Education: This typically
    includes universities, polytechnics, and other higher
    education institutions.

Cost

Public schools

Public schools in Ghana generally have lower tuition fees compared to private schools. However, the cost of education in public schools can still vary depending on the level of education (primary, junior high school, senior high school, or tertiary) and other factors. Here’s a rough estimate of the average annual fees for public schools in Ghana.

  • Public Primary Schools: Tuition fees for public primary
    schools are generally lower compared to private schools. The
    government aims to provide tuition-free primary education,
    but there may still be some minimal fees for things like
    textbooks, uniforms, and PTA (Parent-Teacher Association)
    contributions.
  • Public Junior High Schools (JHS): Under the Free
    Senior High School (SHS) policy introduced by the
    government, public JHSs are supposed to be tuition-free.
    However, students may still incur costs for uniforms,
    textbooks, and other school supplies.
  • Public Senior High Schools (SHS): The government’s
    Free SHS policy covers the cost of tuition and some other fees
    in public SHSs, making them more affordable for students.
    However, students may still need to cover expenses for
    uniforms, textbooks, and personal items.
  • Public Tertiary Institutions: Public universities and
    colleges in Ghana charge tuition fees for their programs. The
    fees can vary depending on the specific institution and
    program. Tuition fees for undergraduate programs in public
    universities can range from GHC 3,000 to GHC 8,000 or more
    per academic year for Ghanaian students. International
    students often pay higher fees.

Cost

Private schools

Private schools in Ghana can vary significantly depending on the school’s location, reputation, facilities, and the level of education (primary, junior high school, senior high school, or tertiary). Private schools in urban areas tend to be more expensive than those in rural areas. Here’s a rough estimate of the average annual tuition fees for private schools in Ghana

  • Private Primary Schools: Tuition fees for private
    primary schools can range from GHC 2,000 to GHC 10,000 or
    more per academic year.
  • Private Junior High Schools (JHS): Private JHSs
    typically charge tuition fees in the range of GHC 3,000 to
    GHC 10,000 or higher per year.
  • Private Senior High Schools (SHS): Tuition fees for
    private SHSs can vary widely but often fall between GHC
    5,000 to GHC 20,000 or more per academic year.
  • Private Tertiary Institutions: Private universities and
    colleges in Ghana have varying tuition fees depending on the
    program and institution. Annual tuition fees for
    undergraduate programs in private tertiary institutions can
    range from GHC 10,000 to GHC 40,000 or more.

Cost

Int Private schools

Private international schools in Ghana are known for offering a high standard of education and often follow international curricula. Tuition fees for these schools tend to be higher than both public and regular private schools.

  • Primary Level: Tuition fees for primary levels in private
    international schools can range from GHC 10,000 to GHC
    40,000 or more per academic year.
  • Secondary Level (Including Junior and Senior High
    School): For secondary education, the fees can be
    considerably higher. Tuition fees for the secondary level may
    range from GHC 25,000 to GHC 60,000 or even higher per
    academic year.

Cost of living

  • Accommodation: This largely depends on the city or town. In
    urban areas like Accra or Kumasi, monthly rent for a modest
    apartment can range from GHC 800 to GHC 2,500 or more.
  • Food: Monthly groceries for a family can range from GHC 800 to
    GHC 1,500 or more, depending on dietary preferences and family
    size.
  • Transportation: This varies depending on whether the child uses public transportation, school transportation, or private means.
    Monthly transportation costs can range from GHC 150 to GHC 400
    or more.
  • Education Expenses: This includes items like uniforms, textbooks,
    stationery, and any additional educational costs. Costs can range
    from GHC 100 to GHC 400 or more per month, depending on the
    level of education and school requirements.
  • Healthcare: This includes medical check-ups, vaccinations, and
    any necessary medications. Costs can vary widely depending on
    the child’s health and any specific medical needs.