CHASS advises Gov’t to Postpone Schools Reopening

The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has issued a strong appeal to the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education to postpone the scheduled reopening of schools on January 3, 2025, following the Christmas break.

The decision, made during an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, stems from the government’s failure to address outstanding financial arrears owed to schools.

According to a letter released by CHASS, the leadership had previously communicated its concerns to the Ministry of Education through the Director General on multiple occasions, specifically on August 12, 2024, November 13, 2024, and December 20, 2024.

These letters requested the government to clear all debts owed to schools, including those related to “perishables and recurrent fees” and the “carting of food items from various regional distribution centers to schools.”

CHASS has made it clear that this appeal is not without due cause. In their letter to members, the leadership noted, “This unfortunate decision was arrived at following the inability of appropriate authorities to heed to the several requests of CHASS”

CHASS expressed deep concerns about the unresolved financial issues affecting the schools. As stated in the letter, “The Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education be strongly advised against the reopening of schools on 3rd January 2025 after the Christmas break.”

In response to the decision, CHASS revealed that parents and guardians will be notified through “all appropriate channels available to CHASS,” including regional branches of CHASS and various school Parent Associations (PAs).

The letter indicated that another reminder has been sent to the Education Minister via the Director General to further emphasize their concerns.

“Leadership wants to inform its members that another reminder has been forwarded to the Hon Minister through the Director General on the above subject matter.”

CHASS also urged its members to adhere strictly to the directive. The letter cautions, “Any action contrary to this directive will be considered as a betrayal of trust to the course of CHASS.”

Members of CHASS are being assured of further updates, as the letter concludes: “Be assured that, you will be duly notified on the next line of action when things are streamlined.”