The National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTA) is calling on the government to prioritise the upgrading of Category B and C senior high schools (SHSs), arguing that improving their facilities and academic resources will make them more attractive to parents and students.
Kwame Nti Yeboah, Ahafo Regional Secretary of the NCPTA, said the persistent pressure surrounding the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results and senior high school placement should prompt authorities to address disparities among schools.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he also encouraged parents to ensure their children develop strong foundations in Mathematics and English to improve their chances of gaining admission to their preferred schools.
“We must encourage our children to learn the maths and English so that they get their desired schools,” he said.
However, he said the long-term solution should go beyond encouraging students to improve their grades, urging the government to invest heavily in schools outside the top Category A bracket.
“But most importantly, our humble appeal is for the government to upgrade the Category B and C schools to reach the level of the A schools,” he said.
Mr Nti Yeboah noted that the attractiveness of Category A schools is partly linked to the quality and availability of facilities and teaching resources.
“It is because they have improved and adequate facilities: science labs, ICT labs, teachers,” he noted.
He believes equipping Category B and C schools with similar facilities would help change perceptions and encourage more parents and students to consider them during the placement process.
“Because when the B and Cs are also improved, people will be willing to go there,” he added.
According to him, the recurring controversies over BECE results and SHS placement demonstrate the need for a more sustainable approach to the issue.
“Because this will not be the last. Every year we have conversations regarding BECE results and placement.”
He said improving infrastructure and resources across schools would not only expand students’ options but could also reduce the intense competition for a limited number of highly sought-after Category A schools.
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