CHASS Leadership Engages GETFund Administrator Over SHS Funding Challenges

Ferdinand | EducationGhana | January 26 | CHASS Leadership Engages GETFund Administrator Over SHS Funding Challenges

 CHASS leadership has met the GETFund Administrator in Accra to discuss urgent challenges affecting senior high schools, including feeding, procurement delays, textbooks, utilities, and outstanding payments to suppliers. 

CHASS Pays Courtesy Call on GETFund Administrator

Executives of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) have held a high-level engagement with the Administrator of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), Mr. Paul Adjei, to address persistent funding and operational challenges facing senior high schools across the country.

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The meeting, held in Accra, was led by the CHASS Chairman, Rev. Fr. Dr. Stephen Owusu Sekyere. It focused on issues that school heads say require immediate attention to ensure smooth school operations, especially ahead of reopening and final examinations.

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Feeding, Procurement, and Furniture Top Agenda

Among the major concerns raised was the delayed release of funds to support student feeding, particularly the purchase of perishable items. CHASS noted that the situation has created pressure on school heads and food suppliers, with several vendors yet to receive payment for services already rendered.

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The leadership also highlighted procurement bottlenecks, shortages of furniture, and inadequate teaching and learning materials, all of which continue to affect instructional delivery in many senior high schools.

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Call for Timely Release of Core Literature Books

Rev. Owusu Sekyere appealed for the prompt distribution of core literature texts, including Anowa, the 4-in-1 Poetry anthology, and Between the Wars. According to CHASS, delays in the supply of these books undermine effective teaching and disadvantage final-year students preparing for examinations.

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Electricity and Teacher Interventions Raised

Another key request was for senior high schools to be migrated from prepaid electricity meters to postpaid systems. CHASS argued that the current arrangement forces schools to pre-finance utilities, placing additional strain on already limited budgets.

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The delegation further stressed the need for timely payment of teacher intervention funds, especially as students approach their final examinations scheduled for April. Concerns were also raised about the unequal distribution of tablets to students, with some schools yet to benefit from the digital device initiative.

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GETFund Administrator Responds

In his response, Mr. Paul Adjei acknowledged the concerns and assured CHASS that steps are being taken to address them in collaboration with the Free Senior High School Secretariat. He noted that a cabinet memorandum exists to guide feeding arrangements for all schools and stressed that it must be strictly followed.

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On the issue of unpaid food suppliers, Mr. Adjei emphasized adherence to legal procedures. He explained that GETFund can only process payments for distributors who have duly signed contracts, in order to comply with procurement and financial regulations. He added that the Ministry of Finance has amended the commitment authorization framework, a development he said has been communicated to all beneficiary entities.

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Despite the challenges, the GETFund Administrator expressed optimism that all vetted outstanding payments would be settled in the coming weeks. He also encouraged continuous stakeholder engagement to develop long-term solutions to recurring funding difficulties.

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New Fundraising Initiative Announced

Mr. Adjei also used the meeting to announce a forthcoming fundraising initiative aimed at enabling old students to support specific school projects executed by GETFund. Under the proposed scheme, contributions made in partnership with the Ghana Revenue Authority will be eligible for tax returns at the end of the year.

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CHASS Delegation

The CHASS delegation included the National Secretary, Mr. Baro Primus, National Vice Secretary, Mr. David Odjodja, and the National Treasurer, Mr. Gordon Osei Marfo.

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