The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has announced the release of GHS 9.5 million for NSMQ arrears and GHS 186 million for student feeding under the Free SHS programme at the 63rd CHASS Annual Conference in Sunyani.
Government Affirms Commitment to Quality and Equitable Education
Yesterday, October 8, 2025, the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, represented His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama at the 63rd Annual Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) held in Sunyani, the Bono Regional capital. The event was themed “Ensuring Comprehensive, Equitable, and Sustainable Secondary Education in Ghana.”
At the gathering, the Minister announced that the government had released GHS 9.5 million through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to Primetime Limited, organisers of the National Science and Mathematics Quiz (NSMQ), to clear arrears spanning 2023 to 2025.
He further revealed that an additional GHS 186 million had been disbursed to support student feeding under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme for June 2025.
Timely Intervention to Sustain Educational Programmes
The Minister emphasized that these financial interventions reflect the government’s commitment to sustaining quality education, ensuring that both students and educational institutions receive the needed support.
According to Hon. Iddrisu, the release forms part of broader efforts by President Mahama’s administration to strengthen the Free SHS policy, improve school management systems, and enhance learning outcomes nationwide.
He commended CHASS for its dedication to maintaining standards in Ghana’s secondary education system and assured the conference that the Ministry remains responsive to the concerns of school heads, especially regarding funding and logistics.
CHASS Commends Government Effort
In response, CHASS executives welcomed the announcement and expressed optimism that the intervention would ease financial pressure on schools and ensure smooth academic operations.
They further appealed for consistent funding and timely disbursements to avoid future disruptions, particularly in areas such as student feeding and extracurricular programmes like the NSMQ.
The Broader Educational Vision
The 63rd CHASS Conference brought together school heads, education policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for inclusive and sustainable secondary education. Discussions centred on improving school infrastructure, teacher motivation, and the equitable distribution of resources across regions.
The Minister reiterated that the government’s vision is to build a resilient education system that empowers every Ghanaian child with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in a changing global economy.
Related Links:
- GES investigates teacher misconduct procedures
- Teacher Unions in Ghana: Roles and Emerging Trends
- CHASS letter to Primetime over NSMQ participation
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