The scheduled reopening of Senior High Schools (SHSs) across Ghana on January 3, 2025, for Form One and Form Three students is uncertain as the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has raised concerns over the lack of provisions for student feeding
In a letter dated December 30, 2024, and addressed to the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES), CHASS called for the reopening to be postponed until their demands are met.
Signed by CHASS National President Baro Primus, the letter emphasized that the decision stemmed from unresolved issues, including the non-payment of arrears related to perishables, recurrent fees, and transportation costs for food items from regional distribution centres to schools.
The letter referenced earlier communications sent on August 12, November 13, and December 20, 2024, urging the government to settle the outstanding payments. CHASS stated that despite repeated reminders, the authorities had failed to address these pressing concerns, leaving schools struggling to manage their resources effectively.
At an emergency meeting, CHASS resolved to highlight the challenges facing schools and warn the Ministry and GES about the implications of reopening without addressing the issues.
“This unfortunate decision was arrived at following the inability of the appropriate authorities to heed several requests of the leadership of CHASS,” the statement read, explaining the rationale behind the call for postponement.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the Ministry of Education and GES will respond in time to avert disruptions to the academic calendar. Students, parents, and educators await a resolution to ensure a smooth reopening process tomorrow.
Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah
