CHASS calls on govt to move SHSs from prepaid meters to postpaid meters

The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has called for the replacement of prepaid meters with postpaid meters in all senior high schools (SHSs) in the country to avoid disruptions.

In a statement, the Conference of Schools said the continued use of prepaid electricity meters in the schools caused unnecessary operational disruptions, affecting academic work and campus security.

CHASS in the statement issued at its 63rd Annual National Conference held at the University of Energy and Natural Resources at Sunyani in the Bono Region said, “It is unfair to require Heads of Schools to pre-finance electricity consumption for academic purposes.”

Following the CHASS call, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has said government Senior High Schools (SHSs) under the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) will be moved from pre-paid meters to post-paid meters effective 2026.

His assurance comes after the President of the Conference of Heads of Assistant Secondary Schools (CHASS), Rev. Fr. Stephen Owusu Sekyere, called for a shift from pre-paid to postpaid electricity meters in all schools in Ghana.

In an interview monitored by GhanaEducation.org, Rev. Fr. Stephen Owusu Sekyere said this would help to stabilize the power supply and avoid interruptions that could disrupt teaching and learning.

Speaking on the Super Morning Show, he explained that prepaid meters in schools can cause interruptions to teaching, learning, and other activities due to the need to constantly purchase and recharge the meters.

“So we were of the view that all prepaid meters in schools, except maybe bungalows, the rest must be changed to postpaid,” the President of the Conference of Heads of Assistant Secondary Schools (CHASS) said.

He cited Saint Peter’s Senior High, which has already moved from prepaid to postpaid meters, saying he cannot guarantee that schools using prepaid meters are able to purchase enough electricity.

“I cannot assure you because it’s just difficulties that my brothers and sisters are going through, because the money may not come on time, and you wouldn’t know how to go and buy it before the money will come to you,” the Reverend Father stated.

The Conference of Schools President added, “So we as managers try to manage the institutions, but sometimes it becomes so difficult because there is no other source of income for you to do that,” he said.