Parents must provide enough food, money for students returning to school – CHASS Chairman

The Eastern Regional Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), Peter Attah Gyamfi, has cautioned parents to prepare adequately for their children’s return to school if the government fails to settle outstanding debts owed to senior high schools.

Speaking on Koforidua-based Bryt FM on Tuesday, the CHASS chairman, who is also the headmaster of Pentecost Senior High School, stated: “There are two options: either you give your child enough food and money, or he or she stays home.”

This warning comes amid ongoing concerns over the government’s inability to pay arrears for perishables, recurrent fees, and food transportation costs.

In a statement issued on December 31, 2024, CHASS urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) to postpone the reopening date for senior high schools, originally scheduled for January 3, 2025, until the government resolves the debt crisis. CHASS revealed that three prior appeals made since August 2024 have gone unanswered.

The Koforidua High Court has issued an interim injunction preventing Ernest Kumi from being sworn in as the Member of Parliament-elect for the Akwatia constituency.

The injunction follows a lawsuit filed by lawyers for Henry Boakye-Yiadom, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, against the Electoral Commission (EC), Ernest Kumi, and the Clerk to Parliament.

The legal action seeks to halt Mr. Kumi’s swearing-in pending the resolution of the case.

The Akwatia constituency was among the contested seats re-collated and declared by the EC at the National Police Training School in Tesano, Accra.

Despite these concerns, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has maintained that the reopening date for senior high schools remains unchanged. In a statement issued on January 3, 2025, GES reminded students, staff, and parents of the academic calendar, which indicates that senior high schools will reopen on January 3, while primary and junior high schools are to resume on January 8, 2025.

The statement added that GES is engaging the Ministry of Education for a speedy resolution of the concerns raised by CHASS. It urged all stakeholders to take note of the reopening dates and make the necessary arrangements.