The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has issued a stern appeal to the Ministry of Education, urging the immediate disbursement of all outstanding funds owed to secondary schools nationwide.
In a letter dated December 20, 2024, CHASS outlined the pressing financial difficulties faced by schools, particularly with the academic calendar scheduled to resume on January 3, 2025.
Signed by CHASS National Secretary, Primus Baro, the letter highlighted unresolved issues, including unpaid recurrent funds, arrears for perishable items, transportation costs for food supplies, and unsettled utility bills. While acknowledging a recent partial disbursement, CHASS noted that numerous schools—especially those operating on a single-track system and day schools—were left out of the allocations, exacerbating their financial challenges.
“These constraints severely undermine the ability of school heads to deliver quality education and safeguard the welfare of students,” the letter stated.
CHASS emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling on the Ministry to prioritize releasing all outstanding funds to enable schools to manage operational costs effectively.
The letter issued a dire warning: “If these financial issues are not resolved immediately, schools will be unable to reopen as planned on January 3, 2025.”
This development comes amidst growing concerns over the sustainability of secondary education in Ghana, with stakeholders urging swift action to avert disruption to the academic calendar.
The Ministry of Education is yet to respond to the concerns raised by CHASS.
