The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has issued a dire warning that the reopening of secondary schools nationwide on January 3, 2025, may be disrupted if the Ministry of Education does not release all outstanding funds owed to schools.
In a strongly-worded letter addressed to the Minister of Education and copied to key stakeholders, including the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Chief of Staff at the Jubilee House, and various teacher unions, CHASS highlighted the precarious financial situation facing schools.
The letter, dated December 23, 2024, underscored mounting concerns about the lack of adequate resources for effective school operations.
“We refer to our earlier correspondences regarding the financial challenges facing schools across the country dated 20th September, 2024 and 12th August, 2024.
“We also wish to recall the assurances given by you, Honorable Minister for Education during our recent Zoom meeting held on Wednesday, 18th December 2024, where you promised to release funds to schools to enable effective school operations.”
Primus Baro, the National Secretary of CHASS.
While acknowledging a recent partial disbursement of funds, CHASS emphasized that the release failed to address critical areas, including monies owed for routine school operations remain unpaid, arrears for perishable items: many schools have yet to receive funds for these essential supplies.
Other concerns include the neglect of single-track and day schools: these schools were excluded from the recent fund disbursements, further exacerbating their financial woes.
The statement added that the lack of funds to cover transportation has placed additional logistical and financial burdens on school administrators. CHASS also pointed out that some schools have been unable to settle their outstanding bills, threatening basic services like electricity and water.
Urgent Requests and Formal Notice of Potential Reopening Delays
In an impassioned call to action, CHASS urged the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to prioritize the release of funds to address the payment of all outstanding recurrent monies, settlement of arrears for perishable items, including those owed to single-track and day schools.
Others critical areas CHASS noted are the disbursement of funds for the transportation of food items, and the immediate settlement of utility bill arrears.
“We believe that these funds are critical in the successful reopening of schools on January 3, 2025. Without these resources, School Heads will face insurmountable challenges in managing daily operations, providing quality education, and ensuring the well-being of students”.
Primus Baro, the National Secretary of CHASS.
In a bold declaration, CHASS stated that unless the specified outstanding funds are disbursed before the reopening date, it will advise against the resumption of the academic calendar.
This unprecedented move signals the severity of the financial challenges faced by secondary schools across Ghana. “The trust of CHASS is that this matter will be given the urgent attention it deserves to ensure a smooth and successful start in the ensuing year,” wrote Primus Baro, the National Secretary of CHASS.
The letter concluded with a call for swift action, attaching a detailed document outlining all funds in arrears to reinforce the gravity of the situation.
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