Consider Religious Background When Choosing SHSs – GES

The Acting Public Relations Officer of the Mfantseman Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Cynthia Buckman, has urged parents and guardians to consider their religious beliefs when selecting senior high schools for their children.

According to her, such a decision would help reduce the misunderstandings and tensions that sometimes arise between students and school authorities over religious practices and observances in some senior high schools.

Ms. Buckman made the remarks in an interview with the media as part of the Directorate’s sensitisation campaign on this year’s senior high school placement and selection process.

“Parents should take the religious background of schools into consideration when making their selections. Doing so will help minimise conflicts and misunderstandings over religious practices and ensure that students settle comfortably into their new school environment,” she said.

She explained that choosing schools whose religious orientation aligns with the beliefs of students could promote peaceful coexistence and foster mutual respect among students and school authorities.

Ms. Buckman further disclosed that the Central Regional Education Directorate had engaged leaders of the various religious groups to discuss issues relating to religious observances in senior high schools.

“The Regional Directorate has met with leaders of the various religious bodies to address concerns over religious practices in our schools. The goal is to promote harmony and ensure that every student can learn in a peaceful environment while respecting school regulations,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Mfantseman Municipal Examination Officer, Francis Arkoh-Mensah, advised parents to consider the interests, talents and career aspirations of their children when choosing schools.”Parents should not make school choices based solely on their own preferences. They should consider the interests and strengths of their children because that is where they are more likely to succeed academically and personally,” he said.

Mr Arkoh-Mensah explained that candidates are required to select eight schools from Categories A, B and C during the school selection exercise. Candidates are expected to choose two Category A schools-one as a boarding option and the other as a day option. They should then select three Category B schools, comprising two boarding schools and one day school. They are also to choose three Category C schools, made up of two boarding schools and one day school,” he explained.

He added that candidates also have the option of selecting schools under the government’s piloted Free SHS day programme, where the government bears the cost of day students.

Mr Taylor urged parents and candidates to study the selection guidelines carefully and seek clarification from their schools where necessary to avoid mistakes that could affect placement.

The education officials appealed to parents and guardians to approach the school selection exercise with care to ensure that candidates are placed in schools that best support their academic, personal and spiritual development