CHASS to Government: Address arrears before reopening schools

The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education to delay the scheduled reopening of schools on 3 January 2025.

The appeal, which follows the Christmas break, is based on unresolved financial challenges faced by schools. In a letter dated 20 December, CHASS warned that failure to address these issues could severely disrupt the reopening process.

Unpaid Arrears

CHASS highlighted ongoing financial struggles, citing unpaid arrears for perishables, recurrent fees, and transportation costs for food deliveries from regional centres to schools.

In letters dated August 12, November 13, and December 20, 2024, CHASS formally raised these concerns with the Minister of Education and the Director General of GES. However, no meaningful response has been received, leaving schools in dire straits.

Call for Action

The association expressed its disappointment, stating that the lack of action has jeopardized schools’ ability to reopen as planned.

“Given the financial constraints, it is not advisable for schools to reopen on January 3 without resolution of these issues,” the CHASS leadership noted.

CHASS emphasized the need for urgent government intervention and reminded the authorities of the critical role timely payments play in maintaining school operations.

Parents and guardians will be informed of the decision through regional CHASS branches and school Parent Associations (PAs). CHASS has also urged its members to adhere to the directive, emphasizing that any deviation would undermine the collective effort to resolve the crisis.

Next Steps

Leadership reassured members that updates would be provided as soon as the government addresses the issues.

“We remain hopeful that the Ministry of Education and GES will take swift action to resolve these matters, allowing schools to reopen promptly,” CHASS stated.

Reporting By Jonathan Ofori, Asaase Newsroom

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