The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has appealed to the government to increase operational funding for senior high schools by 20 per cent and settle outstanding debts owed to creditors.
The President of CHASS, Rev. Fr. Stephen Owusu Sekyere, made the appeal at the conference’s 64th annual gathering in Ho, citing inadequate funding and delays in the release of funds as major challenges facing school administrators.
He said the situation had made it difficult for schools to meet essential expenses, including practical lessons, examinations, food supplies and academic materials, amid rising operational costs.
Rev. Fr. Owusu Sekyere urged the government to review existing allocations to reflect current economic conditions and ensure that funds are released promptly to support the effective running of schools.
He further called for the settlement of outstanding financial obligations dating from 2021 to 2024, explaining that the unpaid amounts had left schools indebted to creditors who had supported their operations.
Beyond funding, the CHASS president appealed for investment in school infrastructure, including classroom and dormitory furniture, school buses and utility vehicles. He also called for the completion of abandoned or unfinished school projects.
Additionally, he proposed restrictions on social media access on government-provided student tablets to reduce distractions and encourage academic activities.
