The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has called on the government to increase operational funding for senior high schools by 20 per cent and settle outstanding debts to ease mounting financial pressures on school authorities.
The President of CHASS, Rev. Fr. Stephen Owusu Sekyere, said inadequate allocations and delays in releasing funds had made it increasingly difficult for schools to meet essential operational costs.
Addressing the 64th annual CHASS conference in Ho, he said the situation was affecting schools’ ability to finance practical lessons, examinations and the provision of food and academic materials.
He appealed to the government to review the existing funding allocations to reflect prevailing economic conditions and ensure that schools received the resources needed to operate effectively.
“Our standard finances running from 2021 to 2024 remain unpaid and require full settlement to enable schools to clear their long-standing indebtedness to benevolent creditors,” he said.
Rev. Fr. Owusu Sekyere also urged the government to expedite the release of funds and settle outstanding obligations to regulatory creditors, warning that the continued delays were placing additional pressure on school management.
Beyond funding, he called for investment in essential infrastructure and logistics, including classroom and dormitory furniture, school buses and utility vehicles.
He further appealed for the completion of outstanding school projects to improve teaching and learning conditions across the country.
On the use of technology in schools, the CHASS president called for restrictions on access to social media on government-provided student tablets to minimise distractions and ensure that the devices were used primarily for academic purposes.
The appeals come as school authorities seek adequate and timely financial support to sustain daily operations, meet their obligations and provide a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
