The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has strongly advised against the reopening of schools on January 3, 2025, following the Christmas break.

This decision was made at an emergency meeting held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

In a statement issued to members, CHASS outlined its concerns, citing the Ghana Education Service (GES) and Ministry of Education’s inability to address pressing financial issues affecting schools.

These include the payment of arrears for perishables and recurrent fees, as well as funds owed to schools due to the transportation of food supplies from regional distribution centers.

According to CHASS, multiple letters dated August 12, November 13, and December 20, 2024, were sent to the Minister of Education and the Director General of the GES, urging the government to resolve these issues.

The lack of a timely response has left schools ill-prepared to resume operations, prompting CHASS to call for a postponement of the reopening date.

Parents and guardians will be informed of the decision through regional CHASS branches and school Parents’ Associations (PAs). The leadership of CHASS has also forwarded another reminder to the Minister of Education, stressing the urgency of the matter.

CHASS has appealed to all its members to adhere to this directive, warning that any deviation will be considered a breach of trust in its leadership. The council reassured stakeholders that further updates will be provided once the issues are resolved.