CHASS Threatens to Delay School Reopening Over Unpaid Funds As Government Frustrates The Operations of Free SHS by not releasing funds for feeding students in school.
The Association of Senior High School Headteachers, the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), has threatened to embark on industrial action against the reopening of senior high schools ahead of the new academic year due to the government’s indebtedness to various service providers and stakeholders.
CHASS cited the lack of funding as a major reason behind its decision, emphasizing that the financial challenges facing schools would not allow them to operate effectively. According to the association, promises made by the government during a Zoom meeting held on December 18, 2024, have yet to be fulfilled.
While some funds have recently been disbursed to schools, CHASS noted that they are insufficient to address the pressing challenges facing schools nationwide. Outstanding funds owed to schools remain unpaid, and arrears related to perishables have yet to be settled. The association also raised concerns that single-track schools appear to have been excluded from recent disbursements. Additionally, funds for the transportation of food items and the payment of utility bills have not been released.
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In light of these challenges, CHASS has called on the Ghana Education Service to urgently address the following:
- Release funds to pay all outstanding recurrent expenses.
- Settle all arrears related to perishable items (including those owed to boarding schools).
- Provide funds to cover the transportation costs of food items.
- Release funds to pay outstanding utility bills.
CHASS emphasized that these payments are critical ahead of the reopening of schools, scheduled for January 3, 2025. Without them, schools will struggle to function.
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The association further warned that it would be forced to take action if the government fails to address the outlined issues. “We, therefore, serve formal notice that, unless all outstanding monies stated above are released to schools before the reopening date scheduled for January 3, 2025, we will advise against the resumption of the academic calendar,” the statement said.
The “CHASS to delay school reopening” threat may become the reality if government fails to act promptly.