Private schools across Ghana have been granted temporary relief from environmental enforcement measures following successful negotiations between the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The decision was reached after a high-level meeting held in Accra on March 30, 2026, where stakeholders in the private education sector raised concerns about how environmental permitting requirements were affecting school operations.
As part of the agreement, the EPA has directed its officers to suspend enforcement actions against private schools—including compliance notices and sanctions—while further consultations are ongoing. The move is expected to give school operators time to adjust and better understand regulatory expectations.
To address the challenges, a five-member joint technical committee has been established, comprising representatives from private school associations and the EPA. The committee is tasked with reviewing compliance difficulties and proposing practical, workable solutions.
The meeting also brought together key stakeholders such as the Ghana National Council of Private Schools and the Conference of Heads of Private Secondary Schools, highlighting a coordinated effort within the sector.
GNAPS welcomed the development, describing it as a step toward a more consultative and balanced regulatory approach. The association reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with authorities to ensure environmental standards are upheld while considering the operational realities of private schools.
It also encouraged school operators to remain compliant with national environmental regulations as discussions continue.
