The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has issued a renewed appeal to Ghana's Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, to urgently release overdue funds to schools. These funds, owed for recurrent fees, carting of food supplies, and other operational arrears, date back to the 2021 academic year, and their delay is severely impacting the functioning of secondary schools across the country.
According to CHASS National Secretary Baro Primus, a formal reminder was sent on September 20, 2024, emphasizing the pressing need for financial support. While some issues raised in previous correspondence have been addressed, several critical concerns remain unresolved. Despite numerous engagements with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Education Ministry, no comprehensive solution has been reached.
Primus highlighted that schools are struggling to maintain basic operations due to mounting debts. Many school administrators face pressure from creditors, with some threatening legal action. Compounding these challenges is the inability to procure essential items such as stationery, which is critical for the ongoing admissions process.
Food shortages are another significant concern. Key supplies have not been delivered to schools since the start of the 2024/2025 academic year, making it difficult to feed students. This situation has led to rising disciplinary issues and unease among students and staff, raising concerns about safety and stability on campuses.
In their letter to the Education Ministry, CHASS outlined specific grievances, including:
Non-payment of recurrent fees since 2021, except for partial payments made in April 2024 for the first semester of the 2023/2024 academic year.
The absence of perishable food allowances for periods such as October 2024 and for schools operating under the Bank of Ghana and commercial banks for specific durations in July and August 2024.
Persistent shortages of critical food items, which have placed additional strain on school management.
CHASS has called for immediate disbursement of funds to address these challenges, emphasizing that delays threaten the effective management of schools and the welfare of students.
As financial pressures mount, CHASS's plea underscores the urgent need for the government to prioritize education funding to ensure smooth operations and uphold the quality of education in Ghana. Addressing these systemic issues is essential to restore confidence in the education system and safeguard the future of students.
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