channel247 online
Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) has reached a significant agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) following high-level discussions aimed at addressing environmental compliance challenges facing private schools across the country.
The meeting, held in Accra on March 30, 2026, formed part of GNAPS’ ongoing advocacy to ensure that regulatory enforcement within the education sector remains fair, consultative, and aligned with the operational realities of private institutions while upholding national environmental standards.
The engagement brought together key stakeholders, including the Ghana National Council of Private Schools and the Conference of Heads of Private Secondary Schools, demonstrating a united front within the private education sector on the need for balanced regulatory practices.
A major outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a five-member joint technical committee comprising representatives from the private school associations and the EPA. The committee has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of regulatory implementation challenges and proposing practical and sustainable solutions to improve compliance processes.
In a further development, the EPA has directed its operational officers to temporarily suspend enforcement actions related to compliance notices and sanctions affecting private schools. The decision follows concerns raised by GNAPS over the immediate operational impact of strict enforcement measures on school activities.
The temporary suspension is expected to provide room for dialogue and policy refinement while the committee undertakes its work and submits recommendations aimed at enhancing regulatory clarity.
GNAPS, in a statement, welcomed the responsiveness of the EPA leadership and commended the collaborative approach demonstrated during the engagement. The association reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with regulators to ensure environmental policies are implemented in a balanced and sustainable manner.
It also assured private school operators and stakeholders of its continued leadership in advocating for fair regulatory practices while promoting full compliance with national environmental standards.
Yaw Boagyan
